Staphylococcus aureus alpha-toxin-induced pores: channel-like behavior in lipid bilayers and patch clamped cells

The conductance of pores induced by Staphylococcus aureus alpha-toxin in Lettre cells has been compared to that in bilayers composed of synthetic lipids or Lettre cell membrane constituents. Previously described characteristics of toxin-induced conductance changes in lipid bilayers, namely rectification, voltage-dependent closure, and closure at low pH or in the presence of divalent cations (Menestrina, 1986) are displayed also in bilayers prepared from Lettre cell membranes and in patch clamped Lettre cells. It is concluded that endogenous proteins do not affect the properties of alpha-toxin-induced channels significantly and that the relative lack of ion channels in Lettre cells makes them ideal for studies of pore-forming toxins by the patch clamp technique.