Release of cytotoxic and agglutinating molecules by Mytilus hemocytes

Hemolymph of Mytilus edulis is known to contain cytotoxic hemocytes and a serum agglutinin. This study describes the occurrence of strong hemolytic properties as well as agglutinating activity of a hemocyte extract against different types of erythrocytes. The hemolysin purified by preparative disc-electrophoresis and subjected to PAGE reveals one band which is also visible in the electropherogram of the extract or serum, respectively. Likewise, the serum agglutinin corresponds to another distinct fraction of extract and serum. Both, hemolytic and agglutinating molecules are detectable in the supernatant of a short-term hemocyte culture indicating that these substances are actively secreted by Mytilus blood cells.