PHOSPHOLIPASE A2-INDUCED ANTIMYCOBACTERIAL ACTIVITY IN THE MEMBRANE FRACTION OBTAINED FROM PERITONEAL EXUDATE CELLS OF GUINEA PIGS

Abstract
Tubercle bacilli were preincubated with the membrane fraction separated from casein-induced peritoneal exudate cells of guinea pigs and subsequently exposed to exogenous phospholipase A2. Marked reduction in viable counts occurred in the incubation mixture at pH 5.6. The additional presence of cholesterol esterase, which alone was inactive, greatly enhanced the phospholipase A2-induced mycobactericidal activity of the fraction. Lipid analysis revealed degradation of phospholipids. The use of cell sap in place of the membrane fraction was ineffective in the same experimental system and neutralized the enzyme-induced activity of the latter. Bacteriostatic effect was demonstrated in the enzyme-containing Kirchner semi-solid agar medium into which the bacilli were inoculated after being preincubated with the membrane fraction. The mycobactericidal effect was revealed when the artificial biomembrane (liposomes) prepared with phospholipids extracted from the exudate cells was used in place of the membrane fraction. Toxic fatty acids released from membrane phospholipids have an opportunity to kill the mycobacteria which are in close contact with the membrane.

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