Effect of Trichosanthes kirilowii lectin on lipolysis and lipogenesis in isolated rat and hamster adipocytes.

The galactose-binding lectin from the Chinese herb Trichosanthes kirilowii (Tianhuafen) stimulated the incorporation of D-[3-3H]glucose into lipids in isolated rat epididymal adipocytes. The lectin, however, did not inhibit lipolysis induced by either epinephrine or corticotropin in these adipocytes. Similarly, it did not suppress corticotropin-induced lipolysis in isolated hamster adipocytes. At a dose that did not stimulate lipolysis on its own, the lectin slightly potentiated the lipolytic effects of corticotropin and epinephrine. These findings are discussed in relation to previous observations on other galactose-binding lectins.