llC labelling of a protein: concanavalin A

A method is described for the 11C labelling of a phytoagglutinin, concanavalin A, involving reductive methylation by formaldehyde and sodium cyanoborohydride. The reaction mixture is then chromatographed by gel permeation. The quantities (20-80 mCi) and specific activities (20-170 mCi/mg) obtained are such that a practical application of the method is possible. No evidence was found, however, of any preferential uptake of concanavalin A by Krebs II ascite cells in Swiss mice.