Occurrence of endogenous lectins in the mouse submandibular gland: an immunohistochemical approach.

We investigated the occurrence of endogenous lectins in the mouse submandibular gland using anti-lectin antibodies that selectively bound the respective hapten lectins which have formed a complex with the appropriate hapten sugars and endogenous lectins. Findings supported the idea that endogenous lectins could interact with sugar residues and perform several roles including packaging, immobilization and transport of glucidic material. A functional meaning in the defence from some pathogenous agents was also postulated. Animal lectins seem to play roles related to their localization like occurs in the plants.