Lectin-binding properties of the Merkel cell and other root sheath cells in perinatal rat vibrissae

Surface carbohydrates on the Merkel cell of the outer root sheath (ORS) were investigated in 1to 4-day-old rat vibrissae by use of rhodamine isothiocyanate (RITC)-conjugated lectins. The red fluorescence of RITC provided a convenient assay for lectin binding to the Merkel cell, which is itself identified by its green fluorescence following selective uptake of the dye quinacrine. In monolayers or suspensions of freshly dissociated ORS cells, the …