ISSN:
1432-1912
Keywords:
Direct Lytic Factor
;
Phospholipase A
;
Red Cells
;
Ion Permeability
;
Haemolysis
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The effects of the direct lytic factor (DLF) of cobra venom, bee venom phospholipase A and of combinations of these two lysins on guinea-pig red cells have been studied. DLF caused an increased permeability to Na ions, swelling of the cells and moderate haemolysis. No prelytic loss of potassium was seen. Phospholipase A produced loss of potassium, considerable gain of sodium, cell swelling, but no remarkable lysis. Combinations of the two venom constituents, more strongly haemolytic, mimicked the effect of the predominant component of the mixture. Thus prelytic loss of potassium was observed when higher concentrations of phospholipase were combined with low concentrations of DLF, but was absent when DLF predominated. The rather low critical volume and spherocytosis of haemolysing red cells exposed to DLF, and the effect of DLF on osmotic stability suggest that DLF has other effects on the cell membrane in addition to those of an osmotic haemolysin.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00501009
