Lycopersicon esculentum agglutinin, LEA

Uses

Lectin from Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato) has been used:

• for immunofluorescence staining
• for the quantification of vascular perfusion
• for the evaluation of gel perfusion efficiency

General Description

Lectins are carbohydrate binding proteins. Lectin from Lycopersicon esculentum (LEA) binds strongly to polylactosamine oligosaccharides. It is the major component of endothelial and epithelial cell surface carbohydrate.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Lectin has anti-cancer, anti-human immunodeficiency virus (anti-HIV), anti-microbial infection and blocks mucosal atrophy. It reduces type 2 diabetes and obesity, stimulates nutrient absorption and drug targeting. It is used to stain the vascular tree in the spinal cord and brain of animals. Lectin agglutinates cells and precipitates polysaccharides and glycoproteins.