Glycohistochemical study on the Denizli cock testis

Denizli cock is a special race which has been breeding in Denizli province of Turkey for a long time. It is famous with its long, beautiful and harmanious crowing and beautiful appearance. In this study, the testis of the Denizli cock was investigated using histological and lectin histochemical methods by light microscopy. The distribution of lectin bindings in the seminiferous epithelium of testis was studied using five digoxigenin labelled lectins including Peanut Agglutinin (PNA), Datura stramonium Agglutinin (DSA), Galanthus nivalis Agglutimn (GNA), Maackia amurensis Leucoagglutinm (MAL) and Sambucus nigra Agglutinin (SNA). Some differences in lectin staining density in interstitial space, basement membrane, spermatogenic cells and sertoli cells have been detected. Interstitial space, basement membrane, spermatogenic cells with DSA and sertoli cells with GNA showed the most intense stainings. In spermatogenic cells, GNA, MAL and SNA displayed moderately stainings. However, they were weakly stained with PNA. In general, PNA, GNA, MAL and SNA stainings were similar moderate stainings in interstitial space and basement membrane. In sertoli cells, weak to moderate staining density of PNA, MAL and SNA but strong staining density of DSA according to stainings of PNA, MAL and SNA were observed. The results demonstrated the distribution of some glycoconjugates in the testis of Denizli cock. These lectin-bmding properties in Denizli cock testis were provided in reference to glycohistochemical investigations in birds. © Medwell Journals, 2011