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Nonspecific ionic effects on the cytolytic and hemolytic properties ofBacillus thuringiensis δ-endotoxins

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Abstract

We investigated the in vitro effects of ions, carbohydrates, lectins, and charged compounds on the cytolytic and hemolytic action of the purified δ-endotoxin ofBacillus thuringiensis var.darmstadiensis 73-E10-2, and other δ-endotoxins. Cytotoxicity was inhibited by preincubating the toxin with N-acetylneuraminic, glucuronic, galacturonic, and N-acetylglutamic acids and ATP. Lectins were unable to inhibit toxicity. Pretreatment of sheep erythrocytes with neuraminidase enhanced hemolysis. These results suggested a nonspecific inhibition of cytotoxicity based on the presence of a negative charge. Supraphysiological concentrations of divalent cations such as Ca2+, Mg2+, and Zn2+ in the medium yielded a reduced toxicity, whereas EDTA and EGTA enhanced cytotoxicity.

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Author notes

  1. Francis A. Drobniewski

    Present address: Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, CB2 1QW, Cambridge, UK

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  1. Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, CB2 1QW, Cambridge, UK

    Barbara H. Knowles & David J. Ellar

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  1. Francis A. Drobniewski
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  2. Barbara H. Knowles
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  3. David J. Ellar
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Drobniewski, F.A., Knowles, B.H. & Ellar, D.J. Nonspecific ionic effects on the cytolytic and hemolytic properties ofBacillus thuringiensis δ-endotoxins. Current Microbiology 15, 295–299 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01589385

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