a chemical conjugate of the B4 lectin [from Griffonia (Bandeiraea) simplicifolia]
and the ribosome-inactivating protein, saporin
targets cells expressing α-D-Galactopyranoside residues

IB4-SAP specifically eliminates the IB4-positive neurons, while sparing the peptidergic neurons. Upon binding to the a-D-Galactopyranoside group expressed on the cell surface, IB4-SAP becomes internalized and saporin inhibits protein synthesis, resulting in the elimination of the neurons. The cytotoxin is extremely potent, with an ED50 in the low picomolar range for some a-D-Galactopyranoside-expressing cells in vitro.

Elimination of Specific Cell Type

• a-D-Galactopyranoside-positive cells are eliminated with this reagent.
• All other cells are left untouched.
• Excellent for the study of pain transmission.

Effective Tool to Study Disease States

• Elimination of a-D-Galactopyranoside-positive cells is useful to determine their role(s) in chronic pain.