title: Stabilization of whole molecules of gastropodan haemocyanins by chlorhexidine.
abstract: Chlorhexidine diacetate 0.01% stabilized the whole molecules of Helix pomatia alpha-haemocyanin under dissociating conditions; in 1 M NaCl and in 1.42 M sucrose. Dissociation at low ionic strength (10 mM) of the haemocyanin of Pila leopoldvillensis was likewise prevented by chlorhexidine. After dissociation into half molecules of H. pomatia alpha-haemocyanin in 1.42 M sucrose and of P. leopoldvillensis haemocyanin by lowering the ionic strength, whole molecules were formed on introduction by dialysis of chlorhexidine diacetate to a concentration of 0.01%. This stabilization points to the binding of the two chlorophenyl groups in hydrophobic regions of the protein and an ensuing cross-linking of the half molecules of gastropodan haemocyanins. Chlorguanide, which almost corresponds to one half chlorhexidine, even at a concentration of 0.1%, only slightly stabilized the whole molecules.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002710:Chlorhexidine; D004355:Drug Stability; D006372:Helix, Snails; D006433:Hemocyanins; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D002727:Proguanil; D011485:Protein Binding
chemical_list: D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D006433:Hemocyanins; D002710:Chlorhexidine; D002727:Proguanil