Flow cytometric measurements of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in isolated rat pancreatic acinar cells after hormone stimulation and action of lectins. 
Isolated rat pancreatic acinar cells were loaded with the Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescence dye Fluo 3 in vitro and the intracellular Ca2+ changes were analysed by flow cytometry.  Morphology, viability, and loading with the dye were studied by light microscopy.  Stimulation with cholecystokinin/pancreozymin (CCK) and its agonist caerulein as well as with carbamylcholine (Jestryl) led to an increase of intracellular calcium ions and a fluorescence peak.  The slope and height of the Ca2+ signals were found to be influenced by preincubation of cells with some plant lectins (WGA, UEA, PHA, Con A, LCA, PNA).  These effects are discussed with respect to the interaction of lectins with the carbohydrate chains of cell membrane receptors.