Biomedical subjects

J W Catt

Publications and source records attributed to J W Catt.

21 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1984

Endogenous beta-galactoside-specific lectins in rabbit tissues.

Soluble beta-galactoside-specific lectins have been detected in many rabbits tissues and are relatively abundant in certain organs. These lectins are apparently identical to the lectin in rabbit bone marrow, which may be involved in inter-erythroblast associations during differentiation, and are very similar in structure and activity to lectins described in a number of species both in adult and embryonic tissues. The rabbit lectin is a monomer with a relative molecular mass of approximately 12 000 and has a low specific activity in the haemagglutination of trypsinized rabbit erythrocytes relative to lectins from other species, which are predominantly dimeric. In addition to the major antigen two minor isoforms of the rabbit galaptin were detected in all tissues. Since these lectins are widely distributed, it seems probable that they are involved in cellular functions that are prominent during development and also maintained in certain differentiated tissues. Experimental evidence currently available suggests that these lectins may be involved in the organization of extracellular matrix components.

Animals↗

PubMed1983

Fertilization in brown algae. V. Further investigations of lectins as surface probes.

The binding of FITC- (fluorescein isothiocyanate), Au- and 125I-labelled lectins (conA, RCA120 (Ricinus communis agglutinin, MW 120 000) and FBP (fucose-binding protein from Lotus tetragonobolus)) to gametes of Fucus serratus and their physiological effects on fertilization have been studied. Results indicate that eggs strongly bind FITC- and Au-labelled conA and RCA120, whilst FITC-FBP binds strongly to sperm. All three iodinated lectins bound to eggs but this was apparently non-specific and similar in magnitude to the binding of iodinated bovine serum albumin. The results suggested the possibility of two distinct types of lectin receptor on egg surfaces: non-specific, highly abundant receptors and less abundant, specific receptors, possibly locally aggregated. All three lectins inhibit fertilization, FBP being the most effective.

Eukaryota↗

PubMed1983

Fertilization in brown algae. IV. Appearance of sperm-specific antigens on fertilized eggs.

Flagella antigens from sperm of Fucus serratus have been used to raise antibodies in rabbits. The immunoglobulin G fraction inhibits fertilization with some degree of species specificity. The antigens detected on sperm are not present on unfertilized egg membranes, but appear after fertilization. The common antigens on the fertilized egg can be distinguished from the cell wall material that is also released on fertilization.

Epitopes↗