HEMOLYSIS BY HOLOTHURIN A, DIGITONIN, AND QUILLAIA SAPONIN: ESTIMATES OF THE REQUIRED CELLULAR LYSIN UPTAKES AND FREE LYSIN CONCENTRATIONS

¹ Division of Physical Biochemistry, Naval Medical Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland

The hemolytic potencies of holothurin A, digitonin, and several quillaia saponin preparations have been compared in experiments with human erythrocytes. The concentrations required to produce 50% hemolysis are linear functions of the erythrocyte count in the hemolytic system. An analysis of this phenomenon yields estimates of (a) the quantity of each lysin which must be taken up by an erythrocyte in order to bring about lysis, and (b) the concentration of lysin remaining free in solution. The reciprocal of the required lysin uptake is designated the "apparent intrinsic activity." Expressed as the cell membrane surface area corresponding to each saponin molecule taken up, the apparent intrinsic activities range from 1050 Å^s/ molecule (digitonin) to 8700 Ų/ molecule (holothurin A). The affinities of the saponins for erythrocytes are reflected in the ratios of bysin uptake to free lysin concentration. The free lysin concentrations required for 50% hemolysis are suitable indices of hemolytic "potency." Among the four substances studied, the orders of hemolytic potency, of affinity, and of apparent intrinsic activity are all different. Holothurin A is the most potent, hence it is among the strongest saponin hemolysins.

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