Histochemical characterization of glycoproteins in the buccal epithelium of the catfish, Rita rita

SummaryGlycoproteins (GPs) elaborated by the buccal epithelium of the catfish, Rita rita, were analysed by a range of histochemical methods. These included methods for the characterization and simultaneous visualization of GPs with oxidizable vicinal diols, with O-acyl sugars, with O-sulphate esters and with sialic acid residues with and without O-acyl substitution at C7, C8 or C9. GPs elaborated at the surface of the buccal epithelium are primarily from two sources, the epithelial cells and the mucous goblet cells. They include GPs with O-sulphate esters, GPs with sialic acid residues without O-acyl substitution and GPs with oxidizable vicinal diols. Different classes of GPs have been associated with specific functions and are discussed in relation to their physiological significance, with special reference to their roles in lubrication, alteration in viscosity, trapping of food particles, buffering of fluids at the epithelial surface, prevention of proteoloytic damage to the epithelium, antimicrobial activity and defence against pathogens. The epithelium shows specialized modifications in the form of the buccal glands. These have been considered to increase the secretory surface that allows profuse secretion of mucus in a very short period of time. The secretions of these glands have been associated with multiple functions similar to those of saliva.