An analysis of Bacillus thuringiensis delta-endotoxin action on insect-midgut-membrane permeability using a light-scattering assay.
Changes in the membrane permeability of Manduca sexta midgut brush-border-membrane vesicles (BBMV) after addition of Bacillus thuringiensis delta-endotoxins were studied using osmotic swelling experiments, volume changes being monitored as the change in 90 degrees light scattering. Typically, control BBMV exhibited limited permeability for sucrose and salts (KCl), while being permeable for urea and glucose. The action of delta-endotoxin was examined using proteolytically activated Cry-IA(c) and CryIB toxins. CryIA(c) produced a marked change in the solute permeability of M. sexta BBMV, significant effects being observed at 3.75 pmol/mg BBMV. The permeability change was relatively non-selective with cations, anions and neutral solutes all traversing the membrane to an increased extent in the presence of CryIA(c). In contrast, the CryIB toxin had no effect on BBMV permeability.
Carroll
J
J
Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, England.
Ellar
D J
DJ
D000818:Animals; D000083722:Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006460:Hemolysin Proteins; D007306:Insecticides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008027:Light; D008871:Microvilli / Q000187:drug effects*; D009036:Moths / Q000187:drug effects*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance / Q000187:drug effects
D000083722:Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins; D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D004731:Endotoxins; D006460:Hemolysin Proteins; D007306:Insecticides; C030956:insecticidal crystal protein, Bacillus Thuringiensis