XI 



LYSINS 



BACTERIOLYSINS AND CYTOLYSINS (HEMOLYSINS) 



AiviONG specific antibodies of the third order of 

 Ehrlich we find hacteriolysins, which are substances 

 acquired by the blood-serum of an animal that is im- 

 munized to specific bacteria. Bacteriolysins have the 

 property of dissolving the particular bacteria for 

 which they are specific. Analogous substances are 

 likewise formed against body-cells known as cytoly- 

 sins. Cytolysins that act upon red blood-corpuscles 

 are called hcemolysins. In order for the phenomenon 

 of bacteriolysis to take place, in addition to the specific 

 bacteriolysin (also known as amboceptor) , the pres- 

 ence of a second or non-specific substance is necessary. 

 This substance is known as a complement, and is pres- 

 ent in varying amount in the blood-serum of all ani- 

 mals whether immunized or not. The same comple- 

 ment, being non-specific, may take part in any bac- 

 teriolytic or cytolytic reaction. Amboceptors are said 

 to be thermostable, Le., they are not destroyed by heat- 

 ing to 56° C, while complement is thermolahile , and 

 is destroyed at a temperature of 5Q° C. The non- 

 specific element or complement can therefore be re- 



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