Lectins as indicators of cell surface and cytoplasmic sugar changes in the oviduct of the postovulatory and pregnant rabbit.

Binding patterns of lectins conjugated with horseradish peroxidase were studied on rabbit oviduct after mating and during pregnancy. The results of this research demonstrated beyond any doubt that the oviduct in the first days after mating and during the gestation period undergoes enormous changes at both surface and cytoplasmic carbohydrates. All the lectins used displayed modifications in the intensity of their reactivity, but the most interesting information was that concerning PNL, SBL and Con A lectins which showed remarkable differences in the behaviour of glycosidic residues in ampulla and isthmus.