[Lectin binding by structures of the submandibular gland of the rat during postnatal ontogenesis in the presence of thyroid pathology].

Redistribution of lectin receptor sites in rat submandibular gland under hypo- and hyperthyroidism has been investigated using lectin-peroxidase technique. Lectin preparation include con A, peanut agglutinin (PNA), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and fucose-specific lectin from Laburnum anagyroides bark (LAB). Submandibular gland is excised on the 1st, 10th, 20th and 40th days of postnatal life and in adult rats. Hyperthyroidism, as well as hypothyroidism cause a considerable decrease of con A, WGA and LAB binding with simultaneous enhancement of PNA binding in all investigated groups of the animals. The only exception from this regularity is noted for con A: hypothyroidism in adult rats and on the 40th day of postnatal development causes enhancement of this lectin binding to granular duct epitheliocytes. Selective staining of mast cells with PNA and of separate neurocytes with con A is also demonstrated; these cells staining is affected neither by hyperthyroidism, nor by hypothyroidism. Possible interpretation of the observed phenomena is discussed.