Effect of different lectins on the proliferation of goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Abstract

In the present study we determined the effect of the lectins concanavalin A (Con A), phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and pokeweed (PWM), frequently used in cell proliferation assays, on the proliferation of goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The use of a standardized Percoll gradient proved to be highly effective for the separation/enrichment of these cells, without damaging the cell membrane. Pokeweed and phytohemagglutinin showed a high stimulating effect, with proliferation rates of 16,753 and 2350 counts/min (cpm), respectively, whereas Con A showed very low stimulation indices (495 cpm), supporting the notion that it should not be used for blast proliferation studies in goats.