Hemolysis induced by streptolysin S: kinetics of hemoglobin and 86Rubidium release

Hemolysis of human erythrocytes produced by streptolysin S (SLS) was investigated. Kinetic studies of hemoglobin (Hb) release exhibited typical for SLS latent phase with hemolysis 30-60 minutes after addition of the toxin. Hb release was preceded by efflux of 86Rubidium (86Rb) which started at 5th-15th minutes after addition of the toxin. In erythrocytes treated with 2 HU/ml of SLS about 100% of 86Rb was released after 15 minutes; no hemolysis was observed at this time. Incubation of blood cells in 0.3 M sucrose or 6% DMSO prevented SLS induced hemolysis. Trypan blue was also inhibitory. Bovine serum albumin acclerated 86Rb and Hb release. The possible mechanism of this phenomenon is discussed. The results obtained indicate that SLS-produced hemolysis of human erythrocytes is an osmotic process.