Unusual glycoconjugates in the oesophagus of a tilapine polyhybrid

The aim of this work is to elucidate the glycoconjugate composition of the secretory products of the oesophageal mucous cells in a tilapine polyhybrid. Lectin histochemistry gave evidence of the presence of β‐galactose, α‐N‐acetylgalactosamine and sialic acid residues in the terminal position. The majority of sialic acid belongs to short side chains; a few sialic acid residues are acetylated at the C7 and/or C8 and/or C9 level. The heterogeneity of the carbohydrate chains may mask potential receptor sites for micro‐organisms and hamper the formation of multiple bonds.