A New O(H) Substance-decomposing Enzyme Produced by an Aerobic Bacterium. I

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Abstract
1. An aerobic bacterium, Bacillus cereus, which produces an enzyme, perfectly decomposing O(H) substance in secretion and red cells, was discovered in the soil. This enzyme, acting on O(H) substance against anti-O(H) antibody in eel serum and H substance which is heterophile human red cell antigen of Shigella dysenteriae, converted them into a more basic substance, the specific activity of which is determined by N-acetylglucosamine. 2. This enzyme was found in a fraction which was precipitated at 50-50% ammonium sulphate saturation of the bacterial culture liquid. The optimal pH for the enzymic action ranged 6.5-7.0, and the optimal temperature 30-37°C. The enzymic action was inactivated by heating at 70°C for 5 minutes. 3. The action of this enzyme was inhibited by such metal salts as mercuric chloride and copper sulphate. Its decomposing action on O(H) substance against anti-O(H) antibody in eel serum was inhibited most strongly by L-fucose, and less by D-galactose, lactose, and other sugars containing galactose; and its decomposing action on H substance of Sh. Dysenteriae, that is heterophile human red cell antigen, was inhibited most strongly by lactose, and less strongly by D-galactose, melibiose, and other sugars containing galactose, and also by L-fucose.