Secretory glycoproteins of major vestibular glands (Bartholin's glands) in female calves. Studies with usual histochemical methods and with lectin-horseradish peroxidase conjugates in normal animals and in animals implanted with anabolic drugs.

The nature of mucins synthetized by the major vestibular glands of normal female calves and animals treated by anabolic drugs was investigated by usual histochemical methods and by lectin conjugate methods: Canavalia ensiformis (Con A), Limulus polyphemus (LPA), Lotus tetragonolobus (LTA), Arachis hypogaea (PNA), Ricinus communis (RCA I), Glycine max (SBA) and Triticum vulgaris (WGA). Two main secretory cell types, i.e. acinar and tubular cells, could be distinguished. The former produced sialomucins, whereas the latter produced neutral mucins. WGA and PNA showed strong binding to all secretory cells while LTA, RCA I and SBA exhibited a weaker affinity. Treatment with anabolic drugs enhanced O-acetyl sialic acid synthesis and we noted de novo synthesis of sulfomucins. However, the staining intensity of LTA was stronger than in control calves. Tubular secretory cells of treated animals revealed an intense secretion of neutral mucins but, in contrast, all tested lectins were less intensively bound. The present study provides additional histochemical information on Bartholin's glands. A shortened procedure is proposed to detect animals treated with anabolic drugs when morphological changes are lacking.