The Con-A-peroxidase method for tissue localization of glucosyl and mannosyl groups applied to mouse hepatocytes and chicken erythrocytes

A variation of the Concanavalin A (Con-A)-peroxidase labelling method originally described by Kiernan [Localization of alpha-d-glucosyl and alpha-d-mannosyl groups of mucosubstances with Concanavalin A and horseradish peroxidase. Histochemistry 1975;44:39-45] was applied to unsectioned cell preparations, with an emphasis on the nuclear localization of glycoproteins. Mouse liver imprints and chicken blood smears fixed in acetic acid-ethanol solution were studied. Modifications of the method included using increased Con-A concentration, and a range of pH values for the Con-A solutions. The strongest Con-A labelling of both erythrocytes and hepatocytes was obtained after incubation with Con-A at pH 6.5 and with Con-A concentrations at least two-fold greater than those used for tissue sections. These conditions may alter the Con-A conformation, enabling the lectin molecule to enter the cell nucleus and bind to nuclear glycoproteins, thus allowing their localization and quantification.