Purification and acute toxicity of a lectin extracted from tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius)

摘要: Abstract Lectins are proteins or glycoproteins known for their ability to agglutinate cells, especially erythrocytes. Several lectins toxic mammalian cells both in vitro and vivo, inhibit growth when incorporated into the diet injected animals. On other hand, use of has been suggested as an alternative cancer treatment. The objective present study was evaluate acute toxicity a lectin extracted purified from tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius, G-400-34) on CD-1 mice. Fetuin affinity chromatography, electrophoretic pattern Western-immunoblot techniques were used purify partially characterize lectin. This line presented high levels activity. Western blot revealed that sera reacted with PHA subunits 34–40 kD range. Four major lectin-related glycopolypeptides identified. tetrameric one ran at about 115–120 kD. LD50 (ip) 1100 mg/kg body weight males 1120 females. experimental animals decreased dose-dependent manner. main target organs affected small intestine, spleen thymus. isolated showed towards fetuin, agglutination values low toxicity.