Ostreolysin affects rat aorta ring tension and endothelial cell viability in vitro.

The effects of ostreolysin, a cardiotoxic cytolysin produced by the edible oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), were studied on tension development in isolated rat aortic ring. Its cytotoxic effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells and Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts were also studied. Ostreolysin induced a concentration-dependent increase in aortic ring tension in the range from 5 to 30 microg/ml, and was cytotoxic to both cell lines. These effects could contribute significantly to its previously observed cardiotoxicity.