FIG 1.

Detection of SAα2,6Gal and SAα2,3Gal oligosaccharides in the nasal turbinate by using lectins. Sections of a 4-week-old Syrian hamster were reacted with SNA I and MAA II. The vertical lines of the image at the top indicate the anterior surfaces of transverse tissue blocks (A to D). (A) A distal section of the nasal cavity of a 4-week-old hamster showing the predominance of squamous epithelial cells and respiratory epithelial cells. (B to D) The population of olfactory epithelial cells gradually increased from the middle to the deep section of the nasal cavity (B, C); more olfactory epithelial cells than respiratory epithelial cells were present in the deep portion of the nasal cavity (D). SNA I, which is specific for SAα2,6Gal, mainly reacted with respiratory epithelial cells in the distal section of the nasal cavity (A to C); in contrast, MAA II, which is specific for SAα2,3Gal, mainly reacted with olfactory epithelial cells in the proximal portion of the nasal turbinates of hamsters (C, D). HE, hematoxylin and eosin staining.