Nuclear labelling in primordial germ cells of Rana dalmatina embryos by Dolichos biflorus agglutinin

Migrating primordial germ cells of Rana dalmatina embryos were labelled by Dolichos biflorus agglutinin. Confocal microscopy analysis demonstrates the nuclear localisation of the labelling. The glycoconjugate is expressed by primordial germ cells throughout the entire migration process, but it is no longer detectable in late intragonadal primordial germ cells. These data suggest that the a-N-acetylgalactosamine-containing glycoconjugates in the nucleus of primordial germ cells may play a functional role in primordial germ cells protection against differentiation during the migration process. The temporal correlation between disappearance of nuclear Dolichos biflorus agglutinin positivity and colonisation of the gonadal ridges, may be explained by a change in the functional status of primordial germ cells nuclear glycoconjugates in relation with the onset of primordial germ cells differentiation.