Lysis of Acholeplasma laidlawii by antibodies and complement

Membranes of Acholeplasma laidlawii were used to determine the membrane components involved in immune lysis and to eventually detect enzymatic changes in the membrane components during this reaction. In a previous publication we reported that A. laidlawii can be killed by antibody and complement and that antibodies to membrane proteins are by far more effective than antibodies to membrane lipids in the complement-dependent killing of this organism. In this report we demonstrate that membrane damage occurs after the combined action of antibody and complement. In addition, the cytoplasmic enzyme hexokinase is released during immune killing. As visualized by electron microscopy, the organisms lost their cytoplasm and were transformed into ghosts. In the majority of organisms, tears in the membrane could be seen. Ultrastructural lesions of about 8.0 to 10 nm in diameter were visible when the organisms were incubated with antiserum and complement. 14C-labeled fatty acids were incorporated during growth into A. laidlawii membrane lipids. After incubation of labeled organisms with antiserum and complement, release of radioactive material into the supernatant and changes in the lipid composition were not observeed. Enzymatic degradation of membrane lipids of A. laidlawii during immune lysis was not detected.