Interaction of Gram-Negative Bacteria with the Lysosomal Fraction of Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes II. Changes in the Cell Envelope of Escherichia coli.

Interaction of lysosomal fraction with Escherichia coli caused damage to the cell envelope of these intact cells and to the cytoplasmic membrane of E. coli spheroplasts. The damage to the cytoplasmic membrane was manifested in the release of 260-nm absorbing material and beta-galactosidase from the spheroplasts, and by increased permeability of cryptic cells to O-nitrophenyl-beta-d-galactopyranoside; damage to the cell wall was measured by release of alkaline phosphatase. Microscope observation showed morphological changes in the cell envelope.