Abstract:

Objective To explore the effects of lectin receptors of WGA, RCA and ECL on cleft palate induced by excess retinoid acid in KM mice. Methods Both in malformed embryos induced by excess retinoid acid (the test group) and normal KM mice (the control group), expressions of lectin receptors of WGA, RCA and ECL in the epithelium of palatal shelves and the mesenchyma were determined by affinity histochemistry using biotin-marked corresponding lectins. Results Expression levels of the three lectin receptors in the epithelium of palatal shelves in the experimental group were significantly lower than in the control group. But they were not differently significant in the mesenchyma between the test and control groups. Conclusion Down-regulated expressions of lectin receptors of WGA, RCA and ECL in the epithelium of palatal shelves are closely related to the development of cleft palate induced by excess retinoid acid in KM mice.

Key words: Lectin receptor; Cleft palate; Retinoic acid; Mice