Characterization of the okra mucilage by interaction with Gal, GalNAc and GlcNAc specific lectins

Journal/Book: Biochim-Biophys-Acta 1243 (2), 157-160. 1995;

Abstract: A bio-active polysaccharide, which was the major component of theextract of the common okra, Hibiscus esculentus, was isolated from theextract by precipitation with ethanol between 28.5 to 45%. According toa previous report (Whistler, R.L. and Conrad, H.E. (1954) J. Am. Chem.Soc. 76, 1673-1674), this polysaccharide contains the Gal alpha 1--> 4Galsequence, which is the ligand for the uropathogenic Escherichia coli andtoxic lectins. Analysis of the binding property of the okrapolysaccharide by precipitin assay with Gal, GalNAc and GlcNAc specificlectins showed that this okra mucilage reacted best with Mistletoe toxiclectin-I (ML-I) and precipitated over 80% of the ML-I nitrogen (5.1micrograms N) added. It also precipitated well with Abrus precatorius(APA), Momordica charantia (MCA) and Ricinus communis (RCA1)agglutinins, but poorly with other lectins. The results obtained suggestthat this polysaccharide is a valuable reagent to differentiate Galspecific lectins from the GalNAc and/or GlcNAc specific series. Author.

Keyword(s): ADHESIVES/ CH (chemistry)

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