Immunoelectrophoretic analysis, toxicity, and kinetics of in vitro production of the protective antigen and lethal factor components of Bacillus anthracis toxin.

摘要: The kinetics of Bacillus anthracis toxin production in culture and its lethal activity rats, mice, guinea pigs were investigated. Lethal was produced vitro throughout exponential growth at essentially identical rates both encapsulated virulent nonencapsulated avirulent strains. two proteins which produce lethality when combination, factor (LF) protective antigen (PA), could be quantitated directly from fluids by rocket immunoelectrophoresis. Using purified preparations these proteins, we determined that a combination 8 micrograms LF 40 PA required for maximal rate killing (39 to min) Fischer 344 rats (250 300 g). Conversely, minimum 0.6 microgram 3 lethality. 50% dose Hartley 50 250 PA, Swiss mice it 2.5 12.5 PA. Analyses classically reserved enzyme kinetic studies used study the rat model after intravenous injection LF-PA mixtures. amounts give half (i.e., double time death) 1.2 5.8 micrograms, respectively. A theoretical death 38 min. third anthrax component, edema factor, shown inhibit activity. Edema not immunoelectrophoresis because protein did form distinct precipitin bands with available antisera. Images