Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) Stain Kit (Mucin Stain)

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Lymphocytes are critical cells of the immune system known for their roles in adaptive immunity. They express a variety of receptors including T-cell receptors and B-cell receptors on their surface which allow them to recognize antigens. These receptors have different masses depending on the specific type. Lymphocytes primarily reside in the blood lymphoid organs like the spleen and lymph nodes and mucosal tissues. Mucopolysaccharides also known as glycosaminoglycans are long chains of sugar molecules found throughout the body including on cell surfaces and in the extracellular matrix. They vary in mass depending on their structure and their main role is to provide structural support and help in cell signaling.

Biological function summary

Lymphocytes play essential roles in the immune response by recognizing and attacking foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria. They are not part of a larger complex but function through interactions with other immune cells. Mucopolysaccharides contribute to maintaining the structural integrity and fluidity of tissues. They support cell adhesion and communication create hydrophilic environments and are involved in cell migration. In histology PAS staining is a common technique to identify mucopolysaccharides as they stain positively highlighting the presence of these molecules as PAS positive material due to the PAS stain color.

Pathways

Lymphocytes are central to immune system pathways particularly the adaptive immune response and the lymphoid signaling pathway. For the adaptive immune response they interact with proteins such as CD4 and CD8 essential in T-cell function. In the lymphoid signaling pathway they transmit signals that lead to immune activation and regulation. Mucopolysaccharides participate in signaling pathways like those involving transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) where they mediate cell growth and differentiation.

Associated diseases and disorders

Lymphocytes are a focus in conditions such as autoimmune diseases and lymphomas. Aberrations in their function can result in autoimmune disorders where the immune system attacks self-tissues. Lymphomas involve malignant transformation of lymphocytes leading to cancer of the lymphatic system. In these contexts proteins such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factor are relevant. Mucopolysaccharides are involved in disorders like mucopolysaccharidoses a group of metabolic disorders caused by enzyme deficiencies leading to the accumulation of these compounds. Proteins such as enzymes responsible for their breakdown like iduronate sulfatase are closely connected in the metabolic pathways disrupted in these diseases.