Effects of lectin I from mistletoe (ML I) and its isolated A and B chains on human mononuclear cells: mitogenic activity and lymphokine release
Metzner, G.; Franz, H.; Kindt, A.; Schumann, I.; Fahlbusch, B.
Die Pharmazie 42(5): 337-340
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-7144 PMID: 3671448 Document Number: 292320
The interaction of lectin I from mistletoe (Viscum album) (ML 1) and its isolated A and B chains with mononuclear cells from healthy human donors was investigated with respect to proliferation capacity (mitogenicity) and monokine/lymphokine factor (MSF) production. The factor produced was studied by means of the electrophoretic mobility inhibition assay using guinea pig macrophages as indicator cells. ML I and its B chain exhibited comparable inhibitory effects on the proliferation of mononuclear cells (MNC, lymphocytes) that differed in quantity only. After 72 h the tritiated thymidine incorporation had diminished in comparison to the control over a concentration range from 10-7 to 10-1 mol/I (ML I) or from 3 .cntdot. 10-7 to 3 .times. 10-9 mol/l (B chain), respectively. The ML I was about 30 times more active than the B chain. Moreover, MSF production could be substantiated for the B chain at a concentration of 3 .cntdot. 10-8 mol/l. In contrast to the B chain, the A chain stimulated the MNC to blastogenic transformation at concentrations of 3 .times. 10-8 and 3 .times. 10-9 mol/l. The stimulation index was much lower than after PHA stimulation. The same concentrations induced the production of lymphokine (MSF). The lymphokine activity on the indicator cells could be inhibited by L-fucose. Perhaps both cytotoxicity and lymphocyte stimulation are important for anti-tumor activity after application in vivo.