HYPOTENSIVE AND VASORELAXING ACTIVITIES OF A LECTIN FROM THE EDIBLE MUSHROOM TRICHOLOMA-MONGOLICUM

A lectin, which exerted a hypotensive action in rats after intravenous injection via the jugular vein, was isolated from the mycelia of the edible mushroom Tricholoma mongolicum. The lectin possessed a molecula r weight of 37 K and its hypotensive activity was dose-dependent. Admi nistration of the lectin at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight caused a me an arterial blood pressure reduction of 95.3+/-7.4 mmHg. The lectin's hypotensive action was not mediated via autonomic ganglion transmissio n, alpha-adrenoceptors, beta-adrenoceptors, cholinergic receptors, his taminergic receptors, nor the renin-angiotensin system, but it was pro bably mediated through vasorelaxation via adenosine A2 receptors and/o r nitric oxide production.