Extraction and partial characterization of a leukotoxin from a plaque-derived Gram-negative microorganism

The plaque-derived gram-negative microorganism Y4 identified as a member of the genus Actinobacillus, was tested for a soluble cytotoxic factor(s). Sonication or incubation of viable Y4 microorganisms in distilled water or normal human serum resulted in liberation of a soluble material which was cytotoxic in vitro for human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). The Y4 soluble sonic extract was also cytotoxic to human peripheral blood monocytes. However, human lymphocytes, platelets, and fibroblasts, as well as rabbit, rat, and mouse leukocytes and chicken embryo fibroblasts, were not killed by exposure to the Y4 sonic extract. No hemolytic activity was detected in the Y4 sonic extract. No hemolytic activity was detected in the Y4 sonic extract. Consequently, the factor(s) in the Y4 sonic extract was referred to as Y4 leukotoxin. The Y4 leukotoxin was inactive at 4 degrees C, heat sensitive (56 degrees C, 30 min), and inactivated by proteases. The cytotoxic effect of Y4 leukotoxin on PMNs was dose, time, and temperature dependent. The leukotoxin did not bind to viable PMNs at 4 degrees C but did bind to dead PMN membrane components at both 4 and 37 degrees C. The addition of bovine serum albumin (51 mg/ml) to PMN-Y4 leukotoxin cultures inhibited the release of lactate dehydrogenase from the PMNs, but did not prevent the death of the cells as indicated by electron microscopy. Lysosomal markers were released in parallel to the cytoplasmic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase from Y4 leukotoxin-treated PMNs. The addition of 0.02 M ethylenedinitrilotetraacetic acid to these cultures inhibited release of lysosomal markers but enhanced the release of lactate dehydrogenase. These results suggested that a soluble leukotoxin with specificity for only human PMNs and monocytes can be liberated from viable Y4. What role this leukotoxin plays in the pathogenicity of the Y4 microorganism is not yet known. However, this leukotoxin is one of the first materials from a plaque-derived microorganism with a potential role in the pathogenesis of juvenile periodontitis.