LPS-sensitive protease activity in the blood cells of the solitary ascidian, Ciona intestinalis (L)

Abstract

1. 1. LPS-sensitive protease activity in the blood cells of the solitary ascidian, Ciona intestinalis, was investigated in vitro. 2. 2. Activity was found to be induced by the microbial carbohydrates, LPS and laminarin, but not by other sugars or carbohydrates. 3. 3. Activity was effective against a broad range of chromogenic peptide substrates, dose-related, and inhibited by benzamidine, STI, PMSF, TPCK, TLCK and an organophosphorus insecticide, pirimiphosmethyl. 4. 4. Activity induced by LPS treatment was short-lived and always preceded phenoloxidase activity in cell lysate supernatants.