Increase of Growth Rate and Phagocytic Activity of Tetrahymena Induced By Pseudomonas Lectins

Galactosephilic and mannosephilic lectins from Pseudomonas aeruginosa interact with Tetrahymena pyriformis GL. Specific adsorption of these lectins onto the Tetrahymena can be shown by inhibition of hemagglutination and by peroxidase binding to the cells mediated by the mannosephilic lectins. Interaction with the lectins does not agglutinate the protozoa even after immobilization by Na fluoride, formaldehyde, and glutaraldehyde or after papain treatment. However, inclusion of the lectins in the growth medium increases the growth rate of Tetrahymena and their presence in the medium supplied to starved ciliates increases phagocytosis of Chinese ink and vacuolization.