The distribution of electrolectin in mouse: genetic and ontogenic variations.

Electrolectins are beta-D-galactoside binding lectins found in teleosts, avians and mammals. We have studied the distribution of electrolectin in several inbred strains of mice and have followed the changes in electrolectin activity occurring during development. Electrolectin activity is present in skeletal muscle, kidney, lung, heart, thymus and spleen of the young animal. The levels of electrolectin activity present in skeletal muscle, heart, lung, kidney and liver keep increasing up to 14 days after birth and then steadily decrease. In contrast, the level of electrolectin activity in the thymus and in the spleen remain constant during development. These results are discussed in view of the possible role of electrolectin in differentiation.