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Cytolytic Activity Released from Tetrahymena 1
Author(s) -
FLORINCHRISTENSEN J.,
FLORINCHRISTENSEN M.,
KNUDSEN J.,
RASMUSSEN L.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
the journal of protozoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.067
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 1550-7408
pISSN - 0022-3921
DOI - 10.1111/j.1550-7408.1985.tb03096.x
Subject(s) - tetrahymena , cytolysis , tetrahymena pyriformis , lecithin , biology , phospholipid , extracellular , biochemistry , phospholipase , microbiology and biotechnology , membrane , enzyme , cytotoxicity , in vitro
Using a hemolytic assay system, we have detected cytolytic activities in extracellular medium from Tetrahymena thermophila and T. pyriformis . In addition, we have identified two phospholipase activities (types A and C) from the same source by thin layer chromatography analysis of the breakdown products of a phospholipid preparation. The hemolytic activity peaks at low pH values. It is inhibited by egg lecithin, supporting the view that a phospholipase activity is involved in the cytolytic processes. Cytolytic activities may play important roles in Tetrahymena , both in nutrition, especially in parasitic and scavenger forms, and in defense against predators. Tetrahymena is probably partly protected from its own released cytolytic phospholipase by having a high proportion of phosphonolipids on its surface membrane.