[H2O2 generation and human neutrophil aggregation as affected by lectins].

The effects of eight plant lectins on human neutrophils aggregation and H2O2 release were studied. Both processes were stimulated by lectins from Viscum album, Triticum vulgaris, Phaseolus vulgaris and Canavalia ensiformis while lectins from Solanum tuberosum, Sambucus nigra and Glycine mas displayed only aggregating activity and Arachis hypogaea lectin was not effective. Heating (46 degrees C) and UV-radiation during 4-5 min were found to suppress completely H2O2 release from neutrophils keeping the capacity of cells to be aggregated. The findings indicate that lectin-induced human neutrophils aggregation is necessary but not sufficient condition of respiratory burst of cells. The comparison of the aggregating activity of lectins with their ability to induce the H2O2 release is supposed to be the basis of screening of lectins with antitumor and immunomodulatory activity.