Strain Differences and Mutagen Treatment Influence Lectin Binding to Mouse Germ Cells

Author

Marilyn Schmalz Holm

Date of Award

4-1986

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Biological Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. Leonard C. Ginsberg

Second Advisor

Dr. Gyula Ficsor

Third Advisor

Dr. Ann E. Berger

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

Carbohydrate moieties on mouse germ cell surfaces were characterized by investigating the binding of FITC-labeled lectins to sperm and testis cells. Differences in lectin binding between different mouse strains, including T/t mice, were found. However, there was no evidence for the involvement of sialic acid or L-fucose in the T/t locus antigens. Antiserum to the t⁰, t⁶ haplotype was equally reactive to both ICR and T/t mouse testis cells in both immunofluorescence and cytotoxicity assays. Trypsinization of testis cells increased binding of soybean agglutinin and decreased binding of wheat germ agglutinin.

A method was developed for flow cytometry of testis cells dual labeled with a DNA stain plus FITC-lectin. This allowed analysis of haploid (1C), diploid (2C), and dividing (4C) cell populations. Treatment of mice with the mutagen, ethylnitrosourea, resulted in increased binding of soybean agglutinin, wheat germ agglutinin, concanavalin A, and Limax flavus agglutinin in 1C, 2C, and 4C cells.

Recommended Citation

Holm, Marilyn Schmalz, "Strain Differences and Mutagen Treatment Influence Lectin Binding to Mouse Germ Cells" (1986). Masters Theses. 1335.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1335