Enhancement by calcium of the invasiveness of Salmonella for HeLa cell monolayers.
An outer membrane-associated cytotoxin and the invasive capacity of Salmonella were shown to be modulated by divalent cations. Cell detachment activity of salmonella cytotoxin was blocked by addition of either Ca++ or Mg++. It is interesting that Ca++ but not other divalent cations was shown to enhance the invasiveness of Salmonella for HeLa cell monolayers. The dose-dependent Ca++ effect required metabolism and was not simply the result of Ca++ binding to the surface of the bacteria. These data suggest a possible role of divalent cations in the unique relationship of invasive bacteria and host cells.
Peterson
J W
JW
Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77550.
Niesel
D W
DW
D002118:Calcium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003603:Cytotoxins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D008274:Magnesium / Q000494:pharmacology; D012475:Salmonella / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism / Q000472:pathogenicity
D003603:Cytotoxins; D008274:Magnesium; D002118:Calcium