Effects of streptolysin O on transport of amino acids, nucleosides, and glucose analogs in mammalian cells.

The transport of several amino acids, nucleosides, and glucose analogs was studies in HeLa cells treated with sublethal concentrations of streptolysin O. A differential effect of toxin on the various solutes tested was observed. The uptake of the neutral amino acids alanine, alpha-aminoisobutyric acid, leucine, and phenylalanine was reduced by 60 about to 70%. Less inhibition of transport was observed with acidic and basic amino acids, and the uptake of nucleosides and glucose analogs was reduced by 20% or less. The decreased uptake of alpha-aminoisobutyric acid could be explained by the inability of toxin-treated cells to retain this amino acid. The altered transport of phenylalanine and lysine, however, appeared to be due to decreased initial rates of uptake rather than to the loss of these amino acids from intracellular pools in toxin-treated cells. After treatment with sublethal concentrations of streptolysin O, the cells recovered their ability to transport and accumulate alpha-aminoisobutyric acid in about 4 h. The data suggest that the alterations in membrane transport observed in toxin-treated cells are due to an effect of streptolysin O on specific transport systems, rather than to the production of holes or pores in the membrane.