Reversible Inactivation of Helix (pomatia) Agglutinin by 2-Mercapto-ethanol

Abstract

THAT certain snails contain an agglutinin with human anti-A specificity was first observed by Prokop et al.¹ and then independently by Boyd and Brown². Since then, however, we have discovered that this agglutinin (which can be obtained from the protein gland of the sexual organ of Helix pomatia) also reacts with human O and B cells treated with neuraminidase, with the respective erythrocyte mucoids, and with many animal cells, especially after treatment with proteolytic enzymes or neuraminidase³. We have also found that some glycoproteins and glycolipids react with this agglutinin⁴, and have come to the conclusion that for the reaction with the Helix agglutinin only the presence of terminal non-reducing bound N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, often blocked by neuraminic acid, is necessary irrespective of whether it is in α- or β-linkage.