Abstract
Cell surface carbohydrates are thought to be important during embryonic development. We have studied a group of defined cell surface carbohydrates during the differentiation of fetal rat skin by the use of immunocytochemical techniques. We used monoclonal antibodies to the LeX and human blood group H type II haptens. The structure of the molecules carrying these haptens has been inferred by the sensitivity of the immune reactions to digestion by glycosyl hydrolases. The primitive ectoderm expressed the LeX hapten. The differentiating epidermis carries the H type II antigen, but this was only detected following cleavage of a terminally modified portion of the carbohydrate containing linear poly-N-acetyl lactosamine chains. These carbohydrates on epidermal cells are carried N linked to glycoproteins.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 765-773 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | British Journal of Dermatology |
Volume | 118 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 1988 |