PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE HEMOLYMPH AGGLUTININ OF THE MARINE CRAB ATERGATIS INTEGERRIMUS (LAMARCK, 1818)

Author(s): Elayabharathi T, Vinoliya Josephine Mary J* and Mary Mettilda Bai S

Abstract: A natural hemagglutinin with specific affinity for buffalo erythrocytes was detected in the hemolymph of the marine crab, Atergatis integerrimus. Physico chemical analysis of the hemolymph agglutinin demonstrated high hemagglutinin activity between pH 6.5-7.5 and temperature 20o - 30oC. The agglutinin activity was dependent on divalent cations calcium, magnesium and manganese but showed high affinity towards calcium. It was reversibly sensitive to di and tetra sodium EDTA and trisodium citrate. Heamagglutin activity was inhibited by sialic acid containing glycoproteins: BSM > bovine thyroglobulin > apo transferrin = transferrin > PSM = fetuin = lactoferrin and sugars (raffinose > trehalose = α-lactose). Buffalo erythrocytes treated with protease showed a high HA titre whereas neuraminidase treatment reduced the HA titre when compared to native erythrocytes. The hemagglutinability of the hemolymph agglutinin was significantly reduced when treated with denaturing agents like HCl and NaOH. Disappearance of agglutinability following cross adsorption revealed the presence of a single agglutinin. Thus, the preliminary characterization of the hemolymph agglutinin would provide strategies for purification of a lectin from the marine crab, Atergatis integerrimus

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