GLYCOPROTEIN SECRETION IN A TRACHEAL ORGAN CULTURE SYSTEM
Abstract
Glycoprotein secretion in the rat trachea was studied in vitro, utilizing a modified, matrix embed/perfusion chamber. Baseline parameters of the culture environment were determined by enzymatic and biochemical procedures. The effect of pilocarpine on the release of labelled glycoproteins from the tracheal epithelium was assessed. After a single stimulation with the drug, there was a significant increase in the release of ('14)C-glucosamine and ('3)H-fucose-labelled glycoprotein. The response was dose-dependent. Similar results were obtained after a second exposure to pilocarpine. However, no dose reponse was observed. Morphological analyses of the tracheal epithelial secretory cells by Alcian Blue/Periodic Acid Schiff staining showed a significant decrease in the total number of Alcian Blue staining cells and an increase in the mixed cell population after a single exposure to pilocarpine. A second stimulation with the drug showed that the trachea was able to respond again, this time with a further decrease in the number of Alcian Blue staining cells and a decrease in the PAS staining cells as well. Carbohydrate analyses after the first stimulation with pilocarpine showed increased levels of N-acetyl neuraminic acid and the neutral carbohydrates, fucose and galactose, in the precipitated glycoproteins.
Subject Area
Biology
Recommended Citation
WARUNEK, DAVID JAMES, "GLYCOPROTEIN SECRETION IN A TRACHEAL ORGAN CULTURE SYSTEM" (1985). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI8521423.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI8521423
