HEMOLYSINS AND HEMAGGLUTININS IN THE COELOMIC FLUID OF A POLYCHAETE ANNELID.GLYCERA DIBRANCHIATA

Abstract

1. Naturally occurring hemolysins and hemagglutinins active against erythrocytes from two mammalian species were found in the coelomic fluid of the polychaete Glycera dibranchiata. 2. The hemolysin required divalent cations and was inactivated by freezing and thawing; the hemagglutinin retained activity after freezing and was active in the presence of EDTA. Both factors were thermolabile above 56°C. 3. The rate of reaction and degree of intensity of lysis or agglutination was different for each type of test erythrocyte. These differences were found in all individuals studied, and were considered to be characteristic of the species. 4. Both hemolysin and hemagglutinin were readily adsorbed from coelomic fluid by the addition of erythrocytes. Adsorption with a particular type of erythrocyte resulted not only in reduced lytic and agglutinating activity against that cell type, but also in reduced activity against red blood cells from other species. 5. The hemolysins and hemagglutinins of Glycera were not induced by single or multiple intracoelomic injections of erythrocytes. These experimental treatments had no significant effect on hemagglutinin titers, and usually caused a marked reduction in hemolysin activity. The consequence of the apparent lack of inducible humoral factors on possible anamnestic immune mechanisms, such as graft recognition and destruction, has yet to be evaluated.