Age-related profile of beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase glycosylation in rat liver

β-N-acetylhexosaminidase was prepared from a liver lysosomal fraction obtained from rats between 18 days of gestation (group I) and 72 weeks of age (groups II-VI). A glycan chain analysis was performed after an electrophoresis and blotting, followed by a very sensitive detection system with highly specific digoxigenin-labelled lectins. The presence of high-mannose /hybrid type glycans, as well as their fucosylated forms was shown in all the experimental groups. Complex-type glycans with terminal sialic acid or galactose were present in all the groups except for 1-week-old rats in which only a positive reaction with lectins from Galanthus nivalis and Aleuria aurantia - was observed. Thus it may be assumed that age-related changes in the glycosylation pattern occur on the first days after birth.