Not available outside of the UK & Ireland.

Application

Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) is a potent mitogen used to stimulate cell proliferation in lymphocyte cultures.

Phytohemagglutinin-M (PHA-M) has been used in the activation of Jurkat and primary cells. It has also been used to treat polymorphonuclear blood cells(PMBCs)

Biochem/physiol Actions

Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) has mitogenic and potent cell agglutinating activities. It binds to T-cell membranes and stimulates cell division and metabolic activity. PHA has the ability to stimulate close contacts between cell membranes.

General description

Phytohemagglutinin (PHA), the lectin extract from the red kidney bean. PHA consists of five isolectins (L₄E₀, L₃E₁, L₂E₂, L₁E₃, L₀E₄) each being a tetramer held together by noncovalent forces. The subunits L (leukocyte reactive) have a high affinity for lymphocyte surface receptors, but little for those of erythrocytes, and are responsible for the mitogenic properties of the isolectins. E (erythrocyte reactive) is responsible for the erythrocyte-agglutinating properties.

Other Notes

For life science research only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Preparation Note

Working concentration: 2 - 10 µg/mlApproximately 2 - 10 µg/ml for the stimulation of peripheral blood lymphocytesStorage conditions (working solution): The reconstituted solution is stable for 2 weeks at 2 to 8 °C or for several months when stored in aliquots at -15 to -25 °C.

Reconstitution

PHA-M should be reconstituted in sterile double-dist. water (final concentration: 2–10 mg/ml). Further dilution with medium or PBS (phosphate buffered saline).

Specifications

Biological activity: ﹤10 µg/ml for maximal stimulation of DNA synthesis (BrdU incorporation) with human peripheral blood lymphocytes.