| Popis: |
Bulbourethral gland glycoprotein (GP) composition was studied histochemically in men of different age groups (varying from neonatal period up to 90 years). No less than 5 cases were examined for each age group. In children and juveniles, neutral GP prevailed in the glandular cells, the proportion of neutral GP gradually decreasing with puberty. In youths and in men of mature age, acid GP became the predominant component of glandular secretion. In elderly and senescent men the ratio of acid and neutral GP again was found to change in favor of the latter. In all the age groups, acid GP were represented mainly by sialomucins, both sialidase-labile and sialidase-resistant. In the glands of men aged 17 years and older, sulphomucins were also detected; the intensity of their synthesis increased from the youth to the elderly period and decreased in senescent persons. Functional significance of different types of GP in the secretion of bulbourethral glands is discussed as well as the possible hormonal machanisms of their synthesis. |
