The effect of Cratylia floribunda lectin on renal hemodynamics and ion transport

Abstract

Lectins have been described as glycoproteins that reversibly and specifically bind to carbohydrates. Legume lectins isolated from the subtribe Diocleinae (Canavalia, Dioclea and Cratylia) are structurally homologous with respect to their primary structures. The Diocleinae lectins of Canavalia brasiliensis, Dioclea guianensis and Canavalia ensiformis have been shown to distinctly alter physiological parameters in isolated rat kidneys. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Cratylia floribunda lectin (CFL) on renal hemodynamics and ion transport in rats. In isolated perfused kidneys, CFL (10 mg/mL, n=5) increased RPP, RVR and decreased %TK+, but did not change urinary flow, glomerular filtration rate, sodium or chloride tubular transport. In isolated perfused mesenteric bed, CFL (3 and 10 mg/mL/min; n=4) did not alter tissue basal tonus or tissue contraction by phenylephrine (1 mM/mL/min). In conclusion, the seed lectin of Cratylia floribunda increased renal hemodynamic parameters showing a kaliuretic effect. This effect could be of tubular origin, rather than a result from haemodynamic alterations.