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Induction of procoagulant activity in human leukocytes with lipoglycans from mycoplasmas
Abstract:
Lipoglycans from mycoplasmas possess the ability to induce the elaboration of procoagulant activity. This represents a third endotoxic property for these polymers, in addition to the pyrogenicity and clotting of Limulus lysate reported previously. Lipoglycans from three species of Acholeplasma (A. axanthum, A. granularum, and A. oculi) stimulated the elaboration in vitro of procoagulant activity by human mononuclear cells to differing extents. Two serotypes, 3 and 4, of Ureaplasma urealyticum also exhibited this stimulatory activity. The activities of lipoglycans tested were, in decreasing order, A. oculi greater than U. urealyticum type 4 greater than A. axanthum greater than U. urealyticum type 3 greater than A. granularum.
Insights
Mycoplasma lipoglycans induce procoagulant activity, a newly identified endotoxic property. Different Acholeplasma and Ureaplasma species exhibit varying levels of this potent stimulatory effect on human cells.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mycoplasma lipoglycans are known for pyrogenicity and Limulus lysate clotting.
- These polymers represent a significant class of microbial molecules with potent biological activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ability of mycoplasma lipoglycans to induce procoagulant activity.
- To characterize this novel endotoxic property and compare the activity across different mycoplasma species and serotypes.
Main Methods:
- In vitro stimulation of human mononuclear cells with purified lipoglycans from Acholeplasma and Ureaplasma species.
- Assay for the elaboration of procoagulant activity in stimulated cells.
Main Results:
- Lipoglycans from Acholeplasma (A. axanthum, A. granularum, A. oculi) and Ureaplasma urealyticum (serotypes 3 and 4) stimulated procoagulant activity.
- The order of activity was A. oculi > U. urealyticum type 4 > A. axanthum > U. urealyticum type 3 > A. granularum.
- This represents a third endotoxic property of mycoplasma lipoglycans.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma lipoglycans possess a third endotoxic property: the induction of procoagulant activity.
- The potency of this activity varies significantly among different mycoplasma species and serotypes.
- These findings contribute to understanding the complex inflammatory potential of mycoplasmas.