title: Nature of lectin-induced alteration of potassium transfer in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.
abstract: The way in which the lectins concanavalin A (Con A) and Ricinus communis agglutinin (Ricin) alter the K+ content of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells was investigated. Unidrectional and net fluxes were determined in unwashed cells during a time course following lectin addition. Total influx, ouabain sensitive influx, Mg++- and Na+-K+-ATPase activity were all unaffected. Cell ATP content was normal for at least 19 minutes after exposure to Con A. Early after contact with Ricin or Con A efflux was stimulated 2-3-fold, resulting in net K+ loss, but after 20 minutes efflux had returned to normal. Ricin and Con A acted similarly although Ricin was present at only 1/50 the concentration of Con A. When the findings are evaluated together with previous work it is suggested that a particular membrane glycoprotein may be concerned in the efflux alteration observed.
mesh_terms: D000251:Adenosine Triphosphatases / Q000378:metabolism; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D001693:Biological Transport, Active / Q000187:drug effects; D002460:Cell Line; D003208:Concanavalin A / Q000494:pharmacology*; D037102:Lectins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010042:Ouabain / Q000494:pharmacology; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D037102:Lectins; D003208:Concanavalin A; D010042:Ouabain; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate; D000251:Adenosine Triphosphatases; D011188:Potassium