Paradisi F, Trapani A, Pepe G, Cifarelli A. Uptake of fluorochrome-labelled exotoxins by different cell types in culture.
LA RICERCA IN CLINICA E IN LABORATORIO 1975;
5:49-58. [PMID:
817383 DOI:
10.1007/bf02910015]
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Abstract
The uptake of diphtheria toxin and of Staphylococcus alpha-toxin by two different human cell types cultured in vitro (the HEp-2 continuous cell line and human adult hepatocytes) was studied by fluorescence microscopy and phase-contrast microscopy. The behavior of these two bacterial exotoxins was quite different. Diphtheria toxin was incorporated into cells by pinocytosis, whereas alpha-hemolysin penetrated into the cytoplasm probably through lesions in the cell membrane. In addition, the penetration of diphtheria toxin into the cells was not inhibited by specific antiserum, whereas anti-alpha-haemolysin inhibited the penetration of alpha-tpxin through the cell membrane. The significance of these findings is discussed.
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