B and T lymphocyte mitogenic properties in a snake venom.

From the crude snake venom of Agkistrodon rhodostoma two mitogenic principles could be detected: A potent T-lymphocyte stimulating anti-beta-D-galactose specific lectin with a molecular mass of about 18 kD and a very strong B-lymphocyte mitogenic factor. Whereas the lectin could be purified by affinity chromatography and characterized as a cell agglutinating, but not precipitating lectin, the highly active B-lymphocyte mitogen could be separated but not characterized. Both factors are much stronger than the mitogens known so far.