Characterization of phospholipase A2 of mycoplasma species

As phospholipases of mycoplasma species may play a role in the pathogenesis of respiratory tract and urogenital tract diseases Mycoplasma mycoides and Acholeplasma laidlawii were examined as to the production of phospholipase A2 (PLA) and attempts were made to purify and characterize it. Both species produced PLA. The purified enzyme was found to be heat-labile, active at alkaline pH, revealing a single band in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Metal ions such as calcium and barium, increased its activity whereas solvents at high concentrations decreased it. It was resistant to surfactants.