[Effect of anthrax toxin on the chemiluminescence of human leukocytes]

The effect of substrate containing crude anthrax toxin on the phagocytosing leukocyte chemiluminescence has been studied. Preliminary toxin incubation with leukocytes for 60 min blocks cell chemiluminescence in the linear ratio effect concentration in the protein component of the toxin; the minimum concentration of the toxin protein component inhibiting the phagocytosing leukocyte luminescence is 3-5 micrograms per 5 x 10(5) cells. The substrate pure mixture of the oedema factor and protective antigen inhibits the chemiluminescence more intensively than crude toxin does. Inhibiting chemiluminescence activity of the anthrax toxin is directly proportional to its adenylate cyclase activity.