ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews information obtained using histochemical and biochemical techniques to analyze mucin structure in the colon, which will provide perspective for an interpretation of data derived from studies in the cotton-top tamarin (CTT). Ultimately, definition of the fine structure of the oligosaccharides present on CTT colonic glycoproteins may be useful in facilitating understanding of the transition from normal to malignant mucosa in nonhuman primate model and its relevance to comparable processes in man. The relationship between acute inflammation and carcinogenesis in this model has not been studied, but it appears that factors other than neoplasia can produce modification in glycoconjugate structures. The expression of a cancer-associated glycoconjugate structure has also been demonstrated in CF-1 mice treated with the chemical carcinogen 1, 2- dimethylhydrazine. Small New World monkeys are especially valuable for the study of certain aspects of inflammatory bowel disease. While in captivity, some of these primates develop a disease that resembles chronic colitis in humans.
