Histochemical effects of the proteolytic enzyme brinase on ascites tumour cells.

Thein vitro effects of the proteolytic enzyme brinase on ascites tumour cells were studied histochemically. Dissociation of protein from phospholipid attachment in surface and cytoplasmic membranes was seen, accompanied by activation of lysosomes in the cytoplasm. These changes are similar to those found by other authors in ascites cells exposed to specific antibody and indicate that changes in membrane lipid function should be envisaged in assessing the effects of proteolytic treatment of cells. Lysosomal activation also resulted from exposure of the ascites cells to tragacanth, a metaphase-blocking polysaccharide.Two patients with melanoma showed substantially increased lysosomal activity in their lymphocytes afterin vitro treatment with brinase.