[Use of lectins for the study of carbohydrate determinants of cholinoreceptors of various subtypes in mollusk neurons].

Chemical nature of carbohydrate components in identified neurons of mollusc Helix pomatia influencing acetylcholine responses was investigated using different lectins (Con A, RCA, WGA and LPA). Differences between Con A-evoked changes in acetylcholine-induced chloride and sodium-potassium currents as well as differences in the time and temperature dependences of these changes showed various mechanisms of action of carbohydrate component with mannose residues on the function of acetylcholine receptors. The analysis of the time and temperature dependences of depressing effects of WGA and RCA on acetylcholine-induced currents permits supposing endocytosis of lectin-receptor complexes with N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues.