Cytotoxic material released from Staphylococcus epidermidis. II. Fractionation and some effects of the fractions on lymphocytes and hepatocytes.

Cytotoxic substance(s) of about 4 X 10(3) molecular weight, containing 9.5% peptide and 73% carbohydrate was released from Staphylococcus epidermidis in phosphate buffered saline. The material was soluble in ethanol and was heat-resistant. It blocked amino acid uptake and E-rosette formation of human tonsillar and blood lymphocytes. In isolated mouse hepatocytes the toxin inhibited protein synthesis, but only in the presence of calcium ions. The results suggest that eukaryotic cell membranes are damaged by the coccal agent.