Distribution profile and function of carbohydrate residues in testes of immature and mature sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica)

The population of Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica) declines each year since it is rarely found in nature. The present study aimed to obtain information about the distribution of carbohydrate residues contained in immature and mature of Sunda porcupine's testes and to discuss its relevant functions. This study used six testes obtained from four immature and two mature Sunda porcupine originated from Ngawi Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia. Testis tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and lectin histochemistry of Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA), Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA-L), Pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA), Sophora japonica agglutinin (SJA), and Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). Data were analyzed with descriptive and semi-quantitative method. Lectin histochemical staining with LCA, PHA-L, SJA, PSA, and WGA indicated the presence of alpha-D-mannose and alpha-D-glucose, N-acetylgalactosamine, mannose, and N-acetylglucosamine residues in the immature and mature testes with weak to very strong intensity. In the immature testes of Sunda porcupine, there was positive reactivity with PHA-L for Leydig and Sertoli cells, N-acetylgalactosamine may play an important role in the development and maturation of Leydig and Sertoli cells. Mature testes showed a strong positive reaction to the LCA, SJA, PSA, and WGA which indicated the significant roles of alpha-D-mannose and alpha-D-glucose, N-acetylgalactosamine, mannose, and N-acetylglucosamine residues on the maturation process of early spermatid to the late spermatid. These results can be used as basic data to be implemented in the conservation efforts of Sunda porcupine. © 2020 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.