IN VIVO ANAPHYLACTIC ASSESSMENTS OF LOW-DOSE LECTIN FROM THE BLACK TURTLE SOUP BEAN (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS).

Effects of low-dose intraperitoneal injection (6 mgl 120 g rat/day) of lectin from black turtle soup bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) on the anaphylactic reactions in Sprague-Dawly rats were investigated. Sensitization process lastedfor 10 days, and enhanced sensitization was earned out at 14th, 21th and 28th day, respectively. Negative results were obtained in both the Active systemic anaphylaxis test and Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis analysis. Compared with the controls, the changes in the serum IgE level and plasma histamine content obtained in the sensitized rats were not significant measured by ELISA methods. The increase of IL-4 and INF-γ was observed then the antagonism effect of both cytokines was speculated to result in the inconspicuous allergic manifestations. The in vivo results proved that the low-dose intake of black turtle soup bean lectin might not cause a significant allergenicity, and the lectin might be practically applied in the recommended small dosage with respect to its relatively safe biomedical performances in the clinical therapy and drug targeted delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]