Pokeweed mitogen: Difference between revisions

Pokeweed Mitogen
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Latest revision as of 17:05, 29 December 2024

Pokeweed mitogen (PWM) is a lectin derived from the pokeweed plant, Phytolacca americana. It is commonly used in immunology research to stimulate lymphocyte proliferation and to study immune responses.

Properties[edit]

Pokeweed mitogen is a potent mitogen that can induce cell division in B cells, T cells, and other immune cells. It is particularly effective in stimulating B cells to produce immunoglobulins.

Applications[edit]

PWM is widely used in laboratory settings to:

Assess the proliferative response of lymphocytes in cell culture.
Study the mechanisms of immune activation.
Evaluate the functionality of immune cells in various disease models.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Pokeweed mitogen binds to specific glycoproteins on the surface of lymphocytes, triggering a cascade of intracellular signaling events that lead to cell proliferation and differentiation.

Safety and Handling[edit]

As with many biological reagents, proper safety precautions should be taken when handling pokeweed mitogen. It is important to use personal protective equipment and follow laboratory safety protocols to prevent exposure and contamination.

References[edit]

External Links[edit]

Pokeweed Mitogen on WikiMD

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-== Pokeweed Mitogen ==
-[[File:Pokeweed.jpg|thumb|right|Pokeweed plant]]
+{{Infobox medical condition
+| name = Pokeweed Mitogen
+| image = <!-- Image removed -->
+| caption = <!-- Caption removed -->
+| field = Immunology
+}}
-'''Pokeweed mitogen''' is a substance derived from the pokeweed plant (''Phytolacca americana''). It is known for its ability to stimulate the proliferation of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response. The use of pokeweed mitogen in scientific research has provided valuable insights into the functioning of the immune system.
+'''Pokeweed mitogen''' (PWM) is a [[lectin]] derived from the [[pokeweed]] plant, ''[[Phytolacca americana]]''. It is commonly used in [[immunology]] research to stimulate [[lymphocyte]] proliferation and to study [[immune response]]s.
-=== Discovery and Isolation ===
+==Properties==
+Pokeweed mitogen is a potent [[mitogen]] that can induce [[cell division]] in [[B cells]], [[T cells]], and other [[immune cells]]. It is particularly effective in stimulating [[B cell]]s to produce [[immunoglobulins]].
-Pokeweed mitogen was first discovered in the 1960s by researchers studying the pokeweed plant. They observed that certain components of the plant extract had a profound effect on lymphocyte proliferation. Further investigation led to the isolation of the active substance, which was named pokeweed mitogen.
+==Applications==
+PWM is widely used in [[laboratory]] settings to:
+* Assess the [[proliferative response]] of [[lymphocytes]] in [[cell culture]].
+* Study the [[mechanisms]] of [[immune activation]].
+* Evaluate the [[functionality]] of [[immune cells]] in various [[disease models]].
-=== Mechanism of Action ===
+==Mechanism of Action==
+Pokeweed mitogen binds to specific [[glycoproteins]] on the surface of [[lymphocytes]], triggering a cascade of [[intracellular signaling]] events that lead to [[cell proliferation]] and [[differentiation]].
-Pokeweed mitogen stimulates the proliferation of lymphocytes by activating a specific pathway known as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. When lymphocytes are exposed to pokeweed mitogen, it binds to specific receptors on their surface, triggering a cascade of intracellular signaling events. This ultimately leads to the activation of the MAPK pathway, which promotes cell division and proliferation.
+==Safety and Handling==
+As with many [[biological reagents]], proper [[safety precautions]] should be taken when handling pokeweed mitogen. It is important to use [[personal protective equipment]] and follow [[laboratory safety protocols]] to prevent [[exposure]] and [[contamination]].
-=== Applications in Research ===
+==See Also==
+* [[Mitogen]]
-The unique ability of pokeweed mitogen to stimulate lymphocyte proliferation has made it a valuable tool in immunological research. It is commonly used in laboratory experiments to study the activation and proliferation of lymphocytes. By understanding the mechanisms underlying lymphocyte proliferation, researchers can gain insights into various aspects of the immune response, such as immune cell development, immune system disorders, and the effectiveness of vaccines.
+* [[Lymphocyte]]
+* [[Immunology]]
-=== Precautions and Limitations ===
+* [[Phytolacca americana]]
-While pokeweed mitogen has proven to be a useful research tool, it is important to handle it with caution. The plant itself contains toxic compounds, and direct contact or ingestion can cause adverse effects. Therefore, proper safety measures should be followed when working with pokeweed mitogen in the laboratory.
+==References==
+{{Reflist}}
-=== References ===
+==External Links==
+* [https://www.wikimd.com/wiki/Pokeweed_mitogen Pokeweed Mitogen on WikiMD]
-<references />
-== See Also ==
-* [[Phytolacca americana]]
-* [[Lymphocytes]]
-* [[Immune System]]
-* [[Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway]]
 [[Category:Immunology]]
-[[Category:Plant Biochemistry]]
+[[Category:Lectins]]
-[[Category:Scientific Research]]
+[[Category:Laboratory techniques]]
-[[Category:Biological Substances]]
+[[Category:Biochemistry]]
-[[Category:Medicinal Plants]]