查看文章

Binucleate trophoblast giant cells (BNC) in the bovine placenta produce glycoproteins, which are delivered into the mother after fusion of BNC with uterine epithelial cells. During most time of pregnancy, BNC produce pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) and prolactin-related protein-I (PRP-I) with asparagine-linked lactosamine-type glycans terminating with N -acetyl-galactosamine. We show by lectin histochemistry that terminal N -acetyl-galactosamine (detected by Dolichos biflorus agglutinin, DBA) in placentomal BNC is greatly reduced prior to parturition, while lactosamine-type N -glycans (detected by Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin, PHA-L) remain unaltered. The change in DBA-staining showed no statistically significant differences between placentomes of cows with and without retention of fetal membranes. Western blots …