Abstract

The present work analyses the presence of lectin binding sites in intracellular compartments of sper- matids and spermatozoa of the blood sucking bug Rhodnius prolixus. Pcriodic acjd-thioseniicarbazide- silver proteinatc and direct lectin-gold labeling tech- niques were used on ultrathin sections. Carbohydrates were shown in associatibn with the systcni of internal membranes and acrosome. The acrosome was the structure most intcnsely labcled by all lectins, This structurc undergoes a significan! increase in the label­ing density for WGA (Triticum vulgaris), suggesting módification of acrosomal glycoproteins, at its dif- ferentiation. The cyioplasmic vesicles were labeled by HPA (Helix pomada) and WPA (Wisteria floribunda). The nuclear compartment was weakly labeled in the spermatids and no labeling was observed by any lectin in the spermatozoa. The results obtaincd show that distinct glycoconjugate may be in volved in the pro- cess of spermatid differentiation.