Bacteriolysis of Veillonella alcalescens by lysozyme and inorganic anions present in saliva.

Infection and Immunity
M TortosaJ J Pollock

Abstract

Veillonella alcalescens subsp. dispar was grown in a synthetic medium containing either radiolabeled thymidine or uridine to monitor cell lysis by assay of the release of deoxyribonucleic acid or ribonucleic acid (RNA), respectively. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that, although human or hen egg white lysozymes alone did not release deoxyribonucleic acid or RNA, the nucleic acids were liberated in equal amounts from lysozyme-treated cells by the addition of low concentrations of the sodium salts of HCO-3, SCN-, Cl-, and F-, RNA release was dependent on enzyme and anion concentration. Human lysozyme was more potent than hen egg white lysozyme, and bicarbonate was the most effective anion in promoting bacteriolysis. Surprisingly, ultrastructural analyses differed from biochemical results. Lysozyme alone caused lysis in approximately 40% of the cell population. Detailed ultrastructural examination revealed aggregated cytoplasmic components which appeared as small clumps, explaining why nucleic acids were not measurable in the biochemical assays. In reaction mixtures containing lysozyme plus inorganic salts, electron microscopy results were compatible with biochemical data. Ultrastructural studies demonstrated that the addition ...Continue Reading

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Citations

Apr 1, 1984·Scandinavian Journal of Dental Research·E N Vasstrand, H B Jensen
Aug 1, 1983·Scandinavian Journal of Dental Research·S TwetmanT Modéer
Feb 1, 1985·Scandinavian Journal of Dental Research·S TwetmanT Modéer
May 1, 1983·Infection and Immunity·V J IaconoJ J Pollock

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