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DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-958031
© 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
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.
Key words
Lectin - Viscum album - Viscaceae - rat thymocytes - cell aggregation - intracellular calcium - hydrogen peroxide