Binding of lipase, amylase and protease to intestinal epithelium as affected by carbohydrates and lectins in vitro

Intraluminal digestive enzymes were shown to bind to chick intestinal epithelial surface (glycocalyx). Affinity of the intestinal epithelium for the enzymes decreased in the order, lipase > amylase > protease. The plant hemagglutinins, Con A, phytohemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen and raw soybean effectively released lipase and amylase from the glycocalyx. Based on specific inhibition of binding by sugars, such as fucose and N-acetylated sugars, lipase and amylase appeared to be bound to blood group antigen-like sugar moieties on the glycocalyx of the microvilli.