“CELL-WALL PROTEIN A” OFPSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSAAND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO “ORIGINAL ENDOTOXIN PROTEIN”

Abstract

Homma, J. Yuzuru (University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan), and Nachiko Suzuki. “Cell-wall protein A” of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its relationship to “original endotoxin protein.” J. Bacteriol. 87:630–640. 1964.—To compare the properties of two kinds of proteins, one obtained from the cell wall of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the other from the endotoxin in the autolysate, the proteins were purified to such an extent that they were proved to be homogeneous by zone electrophoretic and ultracentrifugal analyses. Although there were some differences between the two in such values as nitrogen and phosphorus contents and sedimentation constants, their protein portions were found similar to each other in the ratio of amino acid compositions. It was proved serologically that the two proteins possessed a common specific antigen. They were found to be the same in their potencies in eliciting the Shwartzman phenomenon and pyrogenic reaction. The results of pyocine tests with various sensitive strains revealed that, against the sensitive strains, the spectra of both proteins were almost the same. Their pyocine activities were destroyed through digestion by protease, trypsin, and Nagarse. Either of the rabbit antisera against the two proteins could neutralize pyocine activities of both proteins. Serum-absorption tests proved that the pyocine-neutralizing antibodies of both antisera could be completely absorbed with each of the proteins. Under appropriate conditions, their pyocine activities were masked partially in vitro by the lipopolysaccharde of the endotoxin. Images