Mitogenic Activity of Snake Venom Lectins

Andrea M. Mastro, David J. Hurley, Richard K. Winning, Richard Filipowski, Mary L. Ogilvie, T. Kent Gartner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

Abstract. Five lactose‐inhibitable lectins have been isolated from snake venoms. These five share certain biochemical properties but are not identical (Gartner, Stocker & Williams, 1980; Gartner & Ogilvie, 1984). In this study the lectins were tested for their ability to stimulate lymphocytes to undergo DNA synthesis. We found that three of the lectins were comparable in mitogenic activity to the T cell lectin, concanavalin A (Con A). the mitogenic activity was blocked by lactose, a sugar which also blocks the haemagglutination activity of these lectins. Although mitogenic response appeared to be due to T cells, it depended on the presence of accessory cells in the culture. This requirement for macrophages could be replaced by the phorbol ester tumour promoter, 12‐o‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)557-566
Number of pages10
JournalCell Proliferation
Volume19
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1986

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Mitogenic Activity of Snake Venom Lectins'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this