INHIBITION OF EHRLICH ASCITES TUMOR-CELL GROWTH BY GRIFFONIA-SIMPLICIFOLIA I LECTIN INVIVO

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 42  (8) , 2977-2979
Abstract
G. (Bandeiraea) simplicifolia I (GS I) seeds contain a family of .alpha.-D-galactopyranyl-binding isolectins which strongly agglutinate Ehrlich ascites tumor cells due to the presence of this determinant sugar on their cell surface glycoporteins. Administration of GS I lectin (100 .mu.g/day or 300 .mu.g on alternate days, i.p.) inhibits the growth of Ehrlich tumor cells in vivo. Mice given injections of only Ehrlich cells lived an average of 36 .+-. 13 (S.E.) days with no mouse surviving longer than 53 days. Mice given injections of Ehrlich cells and 100 .mu.g GS I lectin daily or 300 .mu.g GS I lectin on alternate days showed 75 and 62% survival, respectively, after 60 days. Lectin-dependent, macrophage-mediated tumor cell lysis may be the mechanism whereby the GS I lectin exerts its cytotoxic effect.

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