Localization and characterization of sulfated glycosaminoglycans in the body of the earthworm Eisenia andrei (Oligochaeta, Annelida).

The aim of this study was to characterize the compartmental distribution of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (S-GAGs) in adults and their occurrence during the development of the earthworm Eisenia andrei. S-GAGs were extracted from the body of earthworms to identify their composition and the time of their appearance and disappearance in embryonic, newborn, juvenile, and adult earthworms. S-GAGs were also analyzed in earthworm tissue using histochemical metachromatic staining. Purified S-GAGs obtained from the whole body of adult earthworms were composed of chondroitin sulfate (CS) and heparan sulfate (HS). In addition, an unknown, highly sulfated polysaccharide (HSP) was detected. In order to characterize specifically the S-GAG composition in the integument, earthworms were dissected and as much as possible of their viscera was removed. HS and CS were the predominant sulfated polysaccharides in the dissected integument, whereas in viscera, CS, HS and the HSP were found in proportions similar to those identified in the body. The qualitative S-GAG composition in juveniles was similar to that obtained from adult earthworms. CS was the predominant S-GAG in newborn earthworms, accompanied by lesser amounts of HS and by tiny amounts of the HSP. This study provides a detailed descriptive account of the pattern of S-GAG synthesis during development, and also the characterization of the tissue distribution of these compounds in the body of earthworms.

Identification and distribution of chondroitin sulfate in the three electric organs of the electric eel, Electrophorus electricus (L.).

The electrogenic tissue of the electric eel Electrophorus electricus (L.) is distributed in three well-defined electric organs, the Main electric organ, Sach's organ and Hunter's organ. Sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composition was characterized in the three electric organs of the electric eel. Sulfated GAGs were analyzed in the electric organs using metachromatic staining, biochemical analysis including electrophoresis before and after specific enzymatic or chemical degradations, and immunostaining with an antibody against chondroitin sulfate (CS). Our results showed in the three electric organs that CS was the main sulfated GAG species detected, accompanied by small and diminutive amounts of CS/dermatan sulfate hybrid chains and heparan sulfate (HS), respectively. However, HS was not detected in the Sach's organ. CS was predominantly detected in the innervated membrane face of the electroplaques in the three electric organs. Our findings extend previous observations on the GAG composition in the electric organs of E. electricus and provide new information regarding the tissue distribution and location of CS.