Lectin-binding characteristics of mouse oviduct and uterus associated with pregnancy block by autologous antiprogesterone monoclonal antibody

Oviducts and uteri were removed from BALB/cJ and F 1 (CBA/Ca × BALB/cJ) mice at known stages post coitum and following treatment with an antiprogesterone monoclonal antibody (DB3) or a non-specific immunoglobulin (DNP). Thin sections of tissue were prepared and reacted with fluorescent conjugates of a wide range of lectins to determine if saccharide alterations were associated with the pregnancy-inhibiting effect of the DB3 antibody in BALB/c, but not F 1, individuals. The ampullary region of the DB3-treated BALB/c mice showed the most marked changes, with an almost total inhibition of lectin binding, particularly for N-acetylgalactosamine in the uteri of DB3-treated BALB/c mice, associated with an extended expression during gestation of this saccharide in the proximal region of the oviduct in such mice. These are the first biochemical alterations in reproductive tract epithelia to be associated with the efficacy of the DB3 antibody in preventing pregnancy.