Characterization of glycoconjugates in the endometrium of the miniature pig during different reproductive periods.

Lectin-binding glycoconjugates in the endometrium of miniature pigs were determined for sexually immature, dioestrus, oestrus and early pregnancy periods, using five horseradish peroxidase-labelled lectins. Apparent changes associated with sexual maturity were increases in binding intensity of wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), Glycine max agglutinin (SBA) and Ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA) and the appearance of Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA) binding. The binding intensity of WGA, SBA and UEA further increased at oestrus, particularly for UEA which showed a stage-specific binding on the surface of endometrial epithelium. Pregnancy-related changes included an increase in WGA binding and a decrease in UEA and RCA binding. The results indicate that stage-specific alterations in lectin binding glycoconjugates occur in the endometrium of pigs associated with sexual maturity and the reproductive cycle.