Triton WR-1339 as a biological-response modifier in mycobacterial infection

A non-ionic detergent, Triton WR-1339, prolonged markedly the survival time of mice infected fatally with virulent mycobacteria, though it exerted only a limited effect on the fate of tissue viable counts. The combined administration of Triton WR-1339 with lentinan (a glucan purified from the Japanese mushroom Lentinus edodes) was more effective than the single administration of each. This detergent was not lytic to red blood cells or lysosomes, but its substantial effect on the biomembrane was suggested by cold-shock experiment of hemolysis. It was considered that Triton WR-1339 is a biological-response modifier, possibly altering the interaction between the mycobacterial surface and the membrane structure of phagocytes.