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Polymyxin B use does not ensure endotoxin-free solution
Journal of Immunological Methods
|October 24, 1985
Abstract:
Polymyxin B is often added to in vitro samples to 'ensure' that endotoxin activity is removed. We present data, from the standard rabbit pyrogen test and the Limulus amebocyte lysate assay, that polymyxin B bound to a gel support will bind some, but not all, endotoxin. These data, in conjunction with previously published data by Morrison and Curry (1979), indicate that those studies that have relied on polymyxin B to inactivate endotoxin must be re-evaluated.
Insights
Polymyxin B, used to remove endotoxin in lab tests, only binds some endotoxin. This finding requires re-evaluation of studies relying on polymyxin B for endotoxin inactivation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Polymyxin B is commonly added to in vitro samples to neutralize endotoxin activity.
- Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides from Gram-negative bacteria, known for their pyrogenic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of polymyxin B in removing endotoxin activity from in vitro samples.
- To determine if polymyxin B, when immobilized on a gel support, can completely remove endotoxin.
Main Methods:
- Standard rabbit pyrogen test (RPT).
- Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay.
- Immobilization of polymyxin B onto a gel support.
Main Results:
- Polymyxin B bound to a gel support demonstrated partial, not complete, binding of endotoxin.
- Data suggest that polymyxin B does not eliminate all endotoxin activity under tested conditions.
Conclusions:
- The effectiveness of polymyxin B in completely removing endotoxin activity is questionable.
- Studies that utilized polymyxin B for endotoxin inactivation need re-evaluation based on these findings.