Electron microscopy of human erythrocytes agglutinated by lectin from Codium fragile ssp. tomentosoides and pseudo-haemagglutinin from Ascophyllum nodosum

Abstract

Human erythrocytes were exposed to extracts of Codiumfragile ssp. tomentosoides, Ascophyllum nodosum, Dolichos biflorus seeds and a solution of purified polyphenols from Ascophyllum nodosum. In each case the erythrocytes appeared to agglutinate. Agglutinates were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Photomicrographs of the erythrocytes exposed to lectin-containing extracts of C. fragile and D. biflorus showed the typical appearance of agglutinated cells. Photomicrographs of the erythrocytes exposed to the crude extract and purified polyphenols from A. nodosum were similar to each other, but quite different in appearance to erythrocytes agglutinated by the lectins from C. fragile and D. biflorus. This evidence adds further support to the contention that lectin presence recorded in brown algal extracts is largely due to 'pseudoagglutination' produced by polyphenols contained in these extracts.

Preliminary Analysis of the Hemagglutinating Activity of Seed Extracts of the Amaranth Genus.

“…However the polyphenols, are considered as pseudoagglutinating agents, since they do not cause haemagglutination but an agglomeration, by approaching the blood cells. This correlated with observations by Rogers and Wend Loveless (1991). 16 Under the conditions of this study, hemolytic activity was not observed in the blood groups tested; these observations may be related to the absence of saponins in the extracts.…”

“…This correlated with observations by Rogers and Wend Loveless (1991). 16 Under the conditions of this study, hemolytic activity was not observed in the blood groups tested; these observations may be related to the absence of saponins in the extracts. Similar results were described by other researchers, who reported only haemagglutinating activity for Amaranth extracts.…”

Agglutinins from marine macroalgae of the southeastern United States

“…Furthermore, the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (which binds phenolic substances) in the buffer either eliminated the agglutination ability of the Dictyota dichotoma extract (for rabbit erythrocytes) or agglutination yielded non-reproducible results (Table 1). Rogers and Loveless (1991) have provided strong evidence that polyphenols in brown algal extracts cause agglutination of erythrocytes. Our data support this argument since phenolic binding polyvinylpyrrolidone inhibited agglutination by D. dichotoma extracts.…”

Ameliorative effect of saltwort (Salicornia herbacea) extract on hepatic dysfunction and hyperlipidemia in rats

“…Over 60% of fiber is found in saltwort, which could perform as a crucial substance to control geriatric disease and could prevent the blood pressure rise and the colon cancer (4). Thus it is a useful marine plant that could be applied in the field of pharmacology and medicine and has the potential to be a candidate material for the treatment of hyperlipidemia as well as obesity (5).…”

“…So, interests in natural diet therapy have heightened as the physiological approach in lowering blood cholesterol level. Studies on the prevention and improvement of hyperlipidemia by applying functional materials extracted from natural food types are also generating widespread interest (5).…”