INACTIVATION OF ENDOTOXIN BY A HUMORAL COMPONENT. VII. ENZYMATIC DEGRADATION OF ENDOTOXIN BY BLOOD PLASMA*

Abstract

The inactiviation of endotoxin by blood plasma was found to have the characteristics of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction. The reaction was dependent upon the concentration of reactants and the pH of the reaction mixture, as well as on the time and temperature of incubation. Products of the enzymatic degradation of endotoxin by plasma were nonpyrogenic.