Planta Med 1995; 61(2): 130-133
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-958031
Papers

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Influence of the Galactoside-Specific Lectin from Viscum album and its Subunits on Cell Aggregation and Selected Intracellular Parameters of Rat Thymocytes

Alexander V. Timoshenko1 , Hans-Joachim Gabius2
  • 1Department of Biophysics, Belarusian State University, Prospekt F. Skaryny 4, 220050 Minsk, Republic of Belarus
  • 2Institut für Physiologische Chemie, Tierärztliche Fakultät, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Veterinärstr. 13, D-80539 München, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

1994

1994

Publication Date:
04 January 2007 (online)

Abstract

Galactose-specific lectin from Viscum album (VAA) was shown to induce the aggregation of rat thymocytes, to increase the intracellular Ca2+- availability, and to enhance the menadione-dependent release of H2O2 from cells in a carbohydrate- and dose-dependent manner. This activity was mediated by the carbohydrate-binding B-subunit, whereas the toxic A-subunit failed to display aggregating activity or to affect the intracellular Ca2+. However, incubation of cells in its presence decreased the release of H2O2. These data extend the knowledge of the immunomodulatory potency of VAA, especially its carbohydrate-binding B chain.

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