BACKGROUND: A receptor for alpha 1-acid glycoprotein glycoforms AGP-B and AGP-C in the epithelium of the rat prostate gland and seminal vesicles is described. METHODS: The interaction between AGP-glycoforms and their receptor is a lectin-like interaction confirmed by inhibition of the binding by mannose and N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine. RESULTS: In vitro the receptor was also inhibited by the steroid hormones cortisone, aldosterone, progesterone, and estradiol, but not by testosterone. A significant regional variation in the expression of AGP-lectin receptor and in the localization of AGP was seen in rat prostate and seminal vesicles. The localization of the AGP lectin receptor is compared to the localization of glycoprotein AGP, and small differences are found. CONCLUSIONS: It is proposed the AGP receptors in the prostate and seminal vesicles belong to a group of lectins in the control of differentiation and organ formation.