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. 1980 Sep 15;190(3):843-5.
doi: 10.1042/bj1900843.

Inhibition of protein synthesis by a toxic lectin from Viscum album L. (mistletoe)

F Stirpe, R F Legg, L J Onyon, P Ziska, H Franz

Inhibition of protein synthesis by a toxic lectin from Viscum album L. (mistletoe)

F Stirpe et al. Biochem J. .

Abstract

1. The haemagglutinating and toxic lectin from Viscum album L. (mistletoe) inhibits protein synthesis in a lysate of rabbit reticulocytes, with an ID50 (concentration giving 50% inhibition) of 2.6 microgram/ml. This effect is enhanced (ID50 0.21 microgram/ml) if the lectin is reduced with 2-mercaptoethanol. 2. The lectin inhibits protein synthesis also in BL8L cells in culture. Inhibition occurs after a lag time of 3 h. The ID50 is 7 ng/ml, and increases after reduction of the lectin. 3. This and the gross lesions observed in rats poisoned with V. album lectin indicate this is a toxin very similar to ricin.

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