NEW CYTOLYSINS IN SEA-ANEMONES FROM THE WEST-COAST OF THE UNITED-STATES

Sea anemones [Tealia lofotensis, Epiactis prolifera, Anthopleura xanthogrammica, A. elegantissima, A. artemisia, Corynactis californica, Pachycerianthus torreyi] and the sea pansy, Renilla kollikeri, were examined for the presence of cytolytic toxins. T. lofotensis and E. prolifera yielded potent lytic preparations; extracts of A. xanthogrammica, A. elegantissima, A. artemisia, C. californica, P. torreyi and R. kollikeri showed weaker cytolytic activity. Lysins were examined with respect to lytic potency on erythrocytes from man, sheep, rabbit, dog and horse. Their capacity to be inhibited by the major lipids of the erythrocyte membrane was examined. Sphingomyelin specifically prevented lysis by preparations obtained from E. prolifera and A. xanthogrammica. Lysins of T. lofotensis and R. kollikeri were isoelectric at pH 9.4 and 4.2, respectively. That of A. xanthogrammica electrofocused as 2 components, 1 at pH 9.4 and 1 at pH 4.2. That of E. prolifera also electrofocused as 2 components, 1 at pH 6.5 and 1 at pH 8.3. MW ranged from .apprx. 10,000-> 100,000. Data suggested the existence of a variety of cytolysins in different sea anemones.