Lectin-binding to hemocytes of Mytilus edulis

Lectin receptors for WGA, Ricinus 60, Ricinus 120, and for the agglutinin from the albumin gland of Helix pomatia were detected on the surface of Mytilus hemocytes by an agglutination assay. When hemocyte monolayers on slides were incubated with these lectins, strong rosette formation was obtained after addition of human erythrocytes. The lowest lectin concentration which caused formation of rosettes was determined to be 5 micrograms/ml of WGA or of Helix agglutinin, and 20 micrograms/ml of Ricinus 60 or 40 micrograms/ml of Ricinus 120, respectively. In contrast to these results, no binding of indicator cells to Mytilus hemocytes occurred with various other lectins, including Con A.