Naturally occurring hemagglutinins in the hemolymph of the scorpionParuroctonus mesaensis Stahnke

Summary Lectins which bind sialic acid-containing receptors are present in the hemolymph of the scorpionParuroctonus mesaensis Stahnke. Glycoproteins like bovine submaxillary mucin, fetuin and human orosomucoid behave as strong inhibitors forParuroctonus lectins; desialylation of glycoproteins results in a drastic reduction of their inhibitory capabilities confirming that sialic acids are the terminal monosaccharides ofParuroctonus lectin receptors.We wish to thank Dr H. L. Stahnke, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, for taxonomic assistance. This work received fellowship support from the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas de la República Argentina.