Pterin-like Pigment Derived from the Tubercle Bacillus. Fluorescence and Absorption Spectral Data for Erythropterin-like Pigment Isolated by Ultrachromatographic Analysis

Abstract

Chromatographic separation of benzine-ether (1:1) and chloroform solns. of the residue of ether and acetone extracts of dried virulent human tubercle bacillus strain grown for 3-4 wks. in glycerol broth yields a velvet brown fluprescing zone (orange-red in day light) which shows u.-v. absorption spectrum and fluorescence spectrogram, chromatographic behavior, and chem. reactions which are very similar to those of erythropterin. A violet fluorescence in dilute ammoniacal solns. and changes in fluorescence with changes in pH are characteristic of both erythropterin and the tubercle bacillus pigment.