Characterization of the lipopolysaccharide from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans Y4 and N27

Abstract

The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from A. actinomycetemcomitans strains Y4 and N27 was isolated by the phenol-water procedure. Morphologically, the molecule consisted of ribbon and branched filaments which comprised 3% of the cellular dry weight. Chemical analysis of the isolated and purified LPS of both strains showed them to consist of carbohydrate, lipid, 2-keto-3-deoxyoctonate, heptose, hexosamine and phosphate. The major fatty acids of the lipid A moiety were saturated C14 and .beta.-OH C14 compounds. Rhamnose, fucose, galactose, glucose, heptose, glucosamine and galactosamine comprised the monosaccharide portion of the LPS. Biological activity studies revealed both LPS molecules to be active in the Shwartzman reaction and in in vitro 45Ca bone resorption, and in macrophage activation and lethality and in platelet aggregation.