Studies on hemolytic action of a hemolysin produced by Vibrio mimicus

Some properties and mechanism of action of a hemolysin (VMH) produced by an enteropathogenic Vibrio mimicus strain was examined. VMH was heat-labile and inhibited by addition of divalent cations, including Ca2+, Mg2+ and Mn2+. The hemolysis by VMH was inhibited by incubating with gangliosides, suggesting that the ganglioside was the binding site on the erythrocyte membrane for VMH. Existence of a galactose moiety on reducing end of the ganglioside molecule and a sialic acid on the galactose moiety was suggested to be important for the binding of VMH molecule. Colloid osmotic manner of the hemolysis by VMH was demonstrated.