Uptake of fluorochrome-labelled exotoxins by different cell types in culture.
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.
D000818:Animals; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004167:Diphtheria Toxin; D000882:Haplorhini; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism*; D010873:Pinocytosis; D011817:Rabbits; D013210:Staphylococcus; D014118:Toxins, Biological
D004167:Diphtheria Toxin; D014118:Toxins, Biological