Enteral crude red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) lectin--phytohemagglutinin--induces maturational changes in the enterocyte membrane proteins of suckling rats.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of enterally administered crude red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) lectin, PHA, on the expression of brush-border membrane vesicle (BBMV) proteins, in particular Na(+)/H(+) exchangers (NHEs), in the small intestine of suckling rats. Gavage of PHA to 14-day-old rats for 3 days resulted in altered protein/glycoprotein patterns as analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Immunoblots demonstrated the appearance of two 71- and 27-kD protein bands indicative for NHE3--one of the NHE isoforms--and PHA, respectively. PHA treatment also resulted in an augmented uptake of (22)Na(+) by the BBMV indicating an increase in NHE activity. Overall, the data suggests that enteral PHA exposure may induce maturational changes in enterocyte membrane proteins in young rats. In view of these findings, an investigation into the addition of PHA to infant formulas and weaning diets is warranted. Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel