Effect of lectins on 3H-uridine and 3H-thymidine uptake by cultured renal cell carcinoma and normal renal cells.

The effect of lectins on cultured renal cell carcinoma and normal renal cells was studied. Ricin II showed effective inhibition of 3H-uridine and 3H-thymidine uptake by renal cell carcinoma and normal renal cells in all cases. Normal renal cells were more resistant to the inhibitory effect of ricin II as compared to renal cell carcinoma. Concanavalin agglutinin and wheat germ agglutinin led to stimulation of 3H-uridine and 3H-thymidine uptake by renal cell carcinoma and normal renal cells at low concentrations (0.2 micrograms/ml), and to suppression at high concentrations (2 and 20 micrograms/ml).