[Lectin binding of membrane proteins from human placental villi]

The binding of membrane proteins from human placental villi to lectins such as concanavalin A (Con A), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and Riccinus communis agglutinin (RCA) was examined. Five major components of 66K, 69K, 100K, 130K and 170K dalton showed specific binding to WGA, whereas two other major components of 43K and 40K dalton had only weak binding. There were no membrane proteins which bound specifically to either Con A or RCA. The WGA-Sepharose column is considered useful for the purification of human placental membrane proteins. Although the function of these proteins is still unknown, a diagnostic method not only for determining the pathological state of the placenta, but also for cancer will possibly be developed by taking advantage of them.