Preparation of Serologically Homogeneous Plague Murine Toxin and Its Reactions with Physical, Chemical and Enzymatic Agents

Abstract

Summary By the use of the continuous-flow hangingcurtain electrophoresis apparatus developed by Karler, it has been possible to purify the murine toxin of Pasteurella pestis to such an extent that the final preparation exhibited only 1 band in the very sensitive gel precipitation techniques of Oudin and Ouchterlony. The final product had an intraperitoneal LD50 of 0.7μg for 16 to 20-g mice, and an intravenous LD50 of 0.2μg. Experiments are described which suggest that even this relatively pure toxin molecule may still contain portions which are not necessary for toxicity.