In vivo lymphocyte activation and apoptosis by lectins of the Diocleinae subtribe

This paper reports the overall effects of three lectins, extracted fro Cana valia brasiliensis. Dioclea violacea,and D. grandiflora, on BALB/c mice pop liteal draining lymph nodes. These lectins have presented high stimulatory capacity on lymph node T cells. Additionally, They were able to induce apop tosis and inflammation (frequently associated with high endothelial venule necrosis). The data presented here suggest that the Diocleinae lectins stud ied can stimulate in vivo T cell activation and apoptosis, as well as prese nt important side effects.