B Substance-decomposing Enzyme Produced by an Anaerobic Bacterium. I. Serological Action of the B-decomposing Enzyme

Abstract

1. The authors discovered in the soil a new anaerobic bacterium which produced an enzyme specifically decomposing B substance in secretion and red cells, and provisionally designated it Clostridium maebashi. 2. When this bacterium was cultured in a semi-synthetic medium containing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, the B-decomposing enzyme could strongly be demonstrated in the medium, but precipitate obtained from this medium at 40-50% ammonium sulphate saturation showed the strongest action. 3. When made to act on B substance, this enzyme inactivated B activity, converting it into O(H) substance. 4. The optimal pH for this enzyme ranged 6.5-7.0, and the optimal temperature 30-37°C. The enzyme was destroyed by heating at 60°C for 5 minutes. 5. The enzymic action of this enzyme was inhibited by such metal salts as CuSO₄, ZnSO₄, HgCl₂, and Pb(NO₃)₂, and by such sugars as D-galactose, lactose, melibiose, and raffinose.