Monoclonal antibodies were prepared against the 350 kDa lectin purified from larval hemolymph of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. The antibodies inhibited the hemagglutinating activity (HA activity) and bound 'specifically to the hemolymph 350 kDa lectin on Western blotting analysis. lmmunohistological observations revealed the occurrence of lectin in the cuticular intima of the anterior silk gland, but not the middle or posterior silk glands of fifth instar larvae of Bombyx mori. Extracts from the anterior silk glands showed HA activity and exhibited the same biochemical characteristics as those of the 350 kDa lectin in the hemolymph. These results suggested that lectin-like molecules in epithelial tissues may be important in histolysis during molting and metamorphosis.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.