Effect of concanavalin A on the cholinergic responses of mouse neuroblastoma cells

The surface properties of a clone of mouse neuroblastoma cells were modified by the use of concanavalin A that binds to these cells through specific interactions with saccharide-containing receptors. These receptors were found throughout the surface membranes of the cell body as well as the neurites of neuroblastoma cells. Neither resting nor action potentials were modified by treating the cells with concanavalin A (20-25 mug/ml) for 60 min at 35 degrees C. Instead, concanavalin A blocks the muscarinic response and possibly the nicotinic one to applied acetylcholine.