Histamine release induced by glucose (mannose)-specific lectins isolated from Brazilian beans. Comparison with concanavalin A

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Abstract
The histamine releasing properties of glucose (mannose)-specific lectins isolated from Brazilian beans was examined. TheCanavalia brasiliensis, Dioclea rostrata, andDioclea virgata lectins induced histamine release in rat peritoneal mast cells similar to concanavalin A. Less potency and efficacy was observed forCanavalia maritima, Dioclea guianensis, andDioclea violacea while very low activities were seen for the lectins fromDioclea grandiflora, Canavalia bonariensis, andCratylia floribunda. The histamine releasing effect was quenched by higher doses ofD. virgata lectin similar to what was reported for concanavalin A. This effect was abrogated by increasing the concentration of calcium in the incubating medium. As these above proteins have sites that bind calcium, higher doses of the lectins might withdraw the calcium which is essential for the mast cell secretion.