Journal of Helminthology

Table of Contents - 2001 - Volume 75, Issue 03  

Cambridge Journals Online - CUP Full-Text Page

Research Article

Lectins in fish skin: do they play a role in host–monogenean interactions?

K. Buchmanna1 c1



a1 Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Section of Fish Diseases, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Stigbøjlen 4, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark

Article author query

Buchmann K [PubMed]  [Google Scholar]

Abstract

Mucus samples from rainbow trout skin with or without infections by Gyrodactylus derjavini were tested for the presence of lectins reacting with mannose, galactose and lactose. The samples inhibited the binding of biotinylated lectins (from Canavalia ensiformis, Artocarpus integrifolia and Erythrina corallodendron, respectively) to microtitre plates with covalently bound carbohydrates (mannopyranoside, galactopyranoside and lactose, respectively). However, the inhibition of C. ensiformis and A. integrifolia lectins was slightly greater when mucus from infected (but recovering) fish was used, suggesting an increase of mannose and galactose binding lectins in fish skin exposed to parasites. As mannose, galactose and lactose are present on the glycocalyx of Gyrodactylus derjavini, it is suggested that lectins could play a dual role in interactions between fish hosts and their monogenean parasites. Thus, recognition between parasite and host and also host responses towards parasite infections could both, at least partly, involve carbohydrate-lectin binding.

(Accepted November 23 2000)

Correspondence:

c1 Fax: 145 35382700 E-mail: kurt.buchmann@vetmi.kvl.dk