STUDIES ON STREPTOCOCCUS PYOGENES I

Abstract

Disintegration and solubilization of S. pyogenes type 6, strain S43, by sonic oscillation was studied. Electron microscopic observations of the process are presented. Granular bodies, released upon rupture of the cell, are sedimented at 20,000 g. Continued oscillation results in loss of the structural features of the cell walls. Seventy % of the dry weight of the cell is solubilized in 1 hour in water; the maximum (85%) is reached in 3-4 hours. Extraction of the residue by carbonate and acetate increases the total of 96%. The rate of cell death during oscillation is linear in the first 0.5 hour. Only 2% of the cells remain viable after 1 hour. The period of linear cell death corresponds to the period of maximum solubilization of cellular materials. The group-specific C carbohydrate and the type-specific M protein are almost completely solubilized. The strongest precipitin reactions are obtained on extracts obtained between 1-3 hours of oscillation. Acid extracts of the insoluble residue are also positive. The cell wall constituent, rhamnose, is present in all extracts. However the largest quantities (35% of original) are solubilized between 1-4 hours. The rhamnose content of the extracts varies from 7-21%. Thirteen % of the original rhamnose remains in an insoluble state in the final residue. Solubilization of the streptococcal cell by sonic oscillation can be divided into phases: (1) solubilization of the cytoplasm, followed by (2) solubilization of the cell wall and associated structures. The results are discussed in relation to cellular structure and organization of the streptococcal cell.