318 



CYTOLYSINS 



merit, the latter being entirely free and separate, and independent of 

 the receptor or antibody (interbody) itself (Fig. 92). 



Varieties of Cytolysins. The cytolysins produced by bacteria are 

 known as bacteriolysins, i. e., antibodies producing disintegration and 

 lysis of bacteria. The cytolysins known as hemolysins cause lysis or 

 hemolysis of the erythrocytes. Similar cytolysins may be formed for 

 practically all cells, such as leukocytes, epithelium, liver, kidney, spleen, 

 etc., and to these the general name cytotoxin has been given; thus we 

 have leukotoxin, hepatotoxin, nephrotoxin, neurotoxin, etc., these 



FIG. 92. THEORETIC FORMATION OF CYTOLYSINS. 



terms being more nearly correct and expressive of the actual mechanism 

 by which their action is produced. 



Nomenclature. In no other field of immunity have so many differ- 

 ent names been applied to the same substances as have been applied to 

 this order of antibodies. This confusion of terms, added to the various 

 interpretations placed upon their significance, has rendered the subject 

 incomprehensible to those not specially interested. 



The ferment-like and thermolabile substances present in all serums 

 and actively concerned in lytic processes have been given the name of 

 alexin by Bordet; Metchnikoff called it cytase, and Ehrlich designated it 

 as complement because in the conception of the side-chain theory it 



