Ostreolysin (Oly), a cytolytic and cardiotoxic protein from the oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), is lethal for mice with an LD(50) of 1170 microg/kg following intravenous application. Its cardiotoxicity is associated with hyperkalemia, which is probably a consequence of potassium released from the lysed cells. Moreover, sub-micromolar concentrations of Oly induce a concentration-dependent increase in rat aortic ring tension, suggesting that ischaemia, and consequent hypoxic injury of cardiomyocytes, could also derive from vasospasm induced by this toxic protein.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe 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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOstreolysin (Oly), an acidic, 15 kDa protein from the edible oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), is a toxic, pore-forming cytolysin. In this paper, its toxic properties have been studied in rodents and the LD(50) in mice shown to be 1170 microg/kg. Electrocardiogram, arterial blood pressure and respiratory activity were recorded under general anaesthesia, in intact, pharmacologically vagotomised and artificially respirated rats injected with one mouse LD(50).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe influence of sublethal doses of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on serum T3 and T4 concentrations in Hsd Cpb: Wistar rats of both sexes was studied. The trial was performed on 24 males and females respectively, each divided into three groups of 8 animals (control, groups 1 and 2). Aqueous solution of the compound (11 mg/kg body weight - group 1 and 110 mg/kg body weight - group 2) or clean tap water (control group) was used.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF