Cell Typing & Targeting
Many dietary lectins, including wheat germ, lentil, and green pea lectins, can bind to human insulin receptors and mimic insulin. WGA is as effective in molar terms as is insulin at enhancing glucose oxidation and has been shown to enhance the affinity of insulin itself for its receptors.
Human myelin has a strong affinity for Con A, WGA, PHA and LCA, as do nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of the rat brain.
Both human and animal kidney contain abundant structural glycoproteins that offer binding sites for various lectins. WGA binds to the glomerular capillary wall, in addition to the inner surfaces of the collecting ducts.
