Abstract:

It is postulated that lysosomal enzymes of leukocytes are capable of breaking down bacterial constituents and to cause bacteriolyasis. Studies from our laboratory have shown that radiolabled staphylococci (log-phase) arm readily lysed by leukocyte extracts at pH 5.0. On the other hand, old cells or heat-killed young cells are resistant degradation. The leukocytes extracts can be affectively replaced by cationic proteins as well as by membrane-damaging agents (phospholipase A2, polymaxins). Studies on the mechanisms of bacteriolysis have suggested that the cationic proteins act by activating the bacterial autolytic enzymes leading to bacteriolysis. This proces can be inhibited by a series of anionic polalalectrolytes likely to preent in inflammation, presumably by inactivating autolytic enzymes. The cooperation between PHNs and macrophages in bacteriolysis and control of bacterial growth by polalalectrolytes will be discussed in relation to the phatogenesis of the infection and inflammation.