Effect of wheat germ agglutinin and concanavalin A on insulin binding and response by Madin-Darby canine kidney cells.

In Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, specific plasma membrane binding of [125I]insulin was undetectable. Correspondingly, neither insulin-stimulated incorporation of [14C]glucose into glycogen nor insulin-induced uptake of radiolabeled alpha-aminoisobutyrate ([ 3H]AIB) could be demonstrated. These results suggested that MDCK cells lack specific cell surface insulin receptors. To further examine this question intact MDCK cells were preincubated with antireceptor serum and subsequently labeled with [125I]protein A; however, insulin receptors were not detected. Control H4 hepatoma cells bound insulin, responded with increased glycogen synthesis and amino acid uptake, and possessed immunologically recognizable insulin receptor components. The insulin-associated response of stimulated [3H]AIB uptake was induced in MDCK cells by the insulinomimetic lectins concanavalin A (130-140% of basal value at concentrations of 10-40 micrograms/ml) and wheat germ agglutinin (140-160% of basal value at concentrations of 10-30 micrograms/ml). This stimulation was abolished by the respective lectin-specific monosaccharides D-mannose and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Together, these data indicate that the insulin-like activity of concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin can be elicited in MDCK cells even in the apparent absence of specific plasma membrane insulin-binding sites.