U.S. patent application number 10/133212 was filed with the patent office on 2003-06-05 for methods and compositions for the detection of bacterial endotoxins.
This patent application is currently assigned to Charles River Laboratories. Invention is credited to Chiang, Hui-Ti, Cooper, James F., Jordan, Foster T., Wainwright, Norman R..
Application Number | 20030104501 10/133212 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25486353 |
Filed Date | 2003-06-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030104501 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jordan, Foster T. ; et
al. |
June 5, 2003 |
Methods and compositions for the detection of bacterial
endotoxins
Abstract
The invention provides methods and compositions for the
detection and/or quantification of bacterial endotoxins. In
particular, provided herein is an inexpensive and reproducible
method for producing an improved amebocyte lysate preparation
having reduced Factor G activity. Provided also is an
endotoxin-specific amebocyte lysate preparation produced by such a
method. In addition, the invention provides methods and
compositions for enhancing the sensitivity to endotoxins of
amebocyte lysate preparations having reducing Factor G activity. In
particular, the sensitivity of such amebocyte lysate preparations
to endotoxins can be enhanced by the addition of exogenous
(1.fwdarw.3) .beta.-D-glucan.
Inventors: |
Jordan, Foster T.;
(Hollywood, SC) ; Chiang, Hui-Ti; (Charleston,
SC) ; Cooper, James F.; (Charleston, SC) ;
Wainwright, Norman R.; (Falmouth, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TESTA, HURWITZ & THIBEAULT, LLP
HIGH STREET TOWER
125 HIGH STREET
BOSTON
MA
02110
US
|
Assignee: |
Charles River Laboratories
Wilmington
MA
|
Family ID: |
25486353 |
Appl. No.: |
10/133212 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10133212 |
Apr 26, 2002 |
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09665221 |
Sep 18, 2000 |
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6391570 |
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09665221 |
Sep 18, 2000 |
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08947584 |
Oct 9, 1997 |
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6270982 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
435/7.32 ;
435/68.1; 530/387.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 33/579 20130101;
Y10S 435/962 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
435/7.32 ;
435/68.1; 530/387.1 |
International
Class: |
G01N 033/554; G01N
033/569; C12P 021/06; C07K 016/12 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of producing an improved amebocyte lysate preparation
having reduced Factor G activity, the method comprising the steps
of: (a) admixing crude amebocyte lysate with a surfactant in an
amount sufficient to produce a solution containing a precipitate;
and (b) separating said precipitate from said solution thereby to
produce an amebocyte lysate preparation which is less reactive with
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan than said crude amebocyte lysate.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said amebocyte lysate preparation
is reactive with a bacterial endotoxin.
3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said precipitate contains
Factor G.
4. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said surfactant is a
zwitterionic surfactant.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein said zwitterionic surfactant is a
sulfobetaine-type surfactant.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein said sulfobetaine-type surfactant
is selected from the group consisting of n-octyl-N,
N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-p- ropanesulfonate, n-decyl-N,
N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate, n-dodecyl-N,
N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate, n-tetradecyl-N,
N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate, and n-hexadecyl-N,
N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein said sulfobetaine-type surfactant
is n-tetradecyl-N, N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate.
8. The method of claim 1, comprising the additional step of
removing said surfactant from said solution.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said surfactant is removed by
organic solvent extraction.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said organic solvent is
chloroform.
11. A method of producing an improved amebocyte lysate preparation
having reduced Factor G activity, the method comprising the steps
of: (a) admixing crude amebocyte lysate with a zwitterionic
surfactant in an amount sufficient to produce a solution containing
a precipitate; and (b) removing said precipitate from said solution
thereby to produce an amebocyte lysate preparation which is less
reactive with (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan than said crude
amebocyte lysate.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said amebocyte lysate
preparation reacts with a bacterial endotoxin.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein said precipitate contains
Factor G.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein said zwitterionic surfactant is
a sulfobetaine-type surfactant.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said sulfobetaine-type
surfactant is selected from the group consisting of n-octyl- N,
N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-- propanesulfonate, n-decyl-N,
N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate, n-dodecyl-N,
N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate, n-tetradecyl-N,
N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate, and n-hexadecyl-N,
N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein said sulfobetaine surfactant is
n-tetradecyl-N, N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate.
17. The method of claim 11, comprising the additional step of
removing said surfactant from said solution.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein said surfactant is removed by
organic solvent extraction.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said organic solvent is
chloroform.
20. A method of producing an improved amebocyte lysate having
reduced Factor G activity, the method comprising the steps of: (a)
admixing crude amebocyte lysate with a n-tetradecyl-N,
N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesul- fonate surfactant in an amount
sufficient to produce a solution containing a precipitate; (b)
separating said precipitate from said solution; and (c) removing
said surfactant from said solution thereby to produce an amebocyte
lysate preparation that is reactive with bacterial endotoxin and is
less reactive with (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan than said crude
amebocyte lysate.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein said surfactant is removed by
organic solvent extraction.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein said organic solvent is
chloroform.
23. The method of claim 2, 12, or 20 comprising the additional step
of adding exogenous (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan to said amebocyte
lysate preparation in an amount sufficient to enhance the
sensitivity of said amebocyte lysate preparation to said endotoxin
relative to said amebocyte lysate preparation without said
exogenous (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein said exogenous
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan is selected from the group consisting
of LAL-RM, curdlan, pachyman, scleratan, leutinan, schizophyllan,
coriolan, laminaran, and laminarin.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein said (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D
glucan is laminarin.
26. An amebocyte lysate preparation produced by the method of claim
1, 11, or 20.
27. An amebocyte lysate preparation produced by the method of claim
23.
28. A composition comprising an amebocyte lysate preparation having
reduced Factor G activity and exogenously added
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan in an amount sufficient to enhance the
sensitivity of said amebocyte lysate preparation to endotoxin
relative to said amebocyte lysate preparation without said
exogenously added (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan.
29. The composition of claim 28, wherein said (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D
glucan is selected from the group consisting of cotton extract,
cellulose acetate rinse, curdlan, pachyman, scleratan, leutinan,
schizophyllan, coriolan, laminaran, and laminarin.
30. The composition of claim 28, wherein said (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D
glucan is laminarin.
31. In a method of detecting a bacterial endotoxin in a sample, the
improvement comprising using the amebocyte lysate preparation of
claim 26.
32. In a method of detecting a bacterial endotoxin in a sample, the
improvement comprising using the amebocyte lysate preparation of
claim 27.
33. In a method of detecting a bacterial endotoxin in a sample, the
improvement comprising using the composition of claim 28 or 30.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to an amebocyte lysate
preparation for use in the detection and/or quantification of a
bacterial endotoxin in a sample, and more particularly to an
endotoxin-specific amebocyte lysate preparation having reduced
Factor G activity for use in the detection and/or quantification of
a bacterial endotoxin in a sample.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Bacterial endotoxins, also known as pyrogens, are the
fever-producing byproducts of Gram negative bacteria and can be
dangerous or even deadly to humans. Symptoms of infection may range
from fever, in mild cases, to death. In order to promptly initiate
proper medical treatment, it is important to identify, as early as
possible, the presence of an endotoxin and, if possible, the
concentration of the endotoxin in the subject of interest.
Similarly, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) requires
certain manufacturers to establish that their products, for
example, parenteral drugs and medical devices, are free of
detectable levels of Gram negative bacterial endotoxin.
[0003] To this end, a variety of methods have been developed for
use in the detection of bacterial endotoxins. A currently preferred
method involves the use of amebocyte lysate (AL) produced from the
hemolymph of a horseshoe crab, for example, a horseshoe crab
selected from the group consisting of Limulus polyphemus, Tachpleus
gigas, Tachypleus tridentatus, and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda.
Amebocyte lysates produced from Limulus, Tachpleus, and
Carcinoscorpius maybe referred to as LAL, TAL, and CAL,
respectively.
[0004] Presently, LAL is employed in bacterial endotoxin assays of
choice because of its sensitivity, specificity and relative ease
for avoiding interference by other components that may be present
in a sample of interest. LAL, when combined with a sample
containing bacterial endotoxin, reacts with the endotoxin to
produce a product, for example, a gel or chromogenic product, that
can be detected, for example, either visually or by the use of an
optical detector.
[0005] The endotoxin-mediated activation of LAL is well understood
and has been thoroughly documented in the art. See, for example,
Levin et al. (1968) Thromb. Diath. Haemorrh. 19: 186, Nakamura et
al. (1986) Eur. J. Biochem. 154: 511, Muta et al. (1987) J.
Biochem. 101: 1321, and Ho et al. (1993) Biochem. & Mol. Biol.
Int. 29: 687. When bacterial endotoxin is contacted with LAL, the
endotoxin initiates a series of enzymatic reactions, referred to in
the art as the Factor C pathway, that involve at least three serine
protease zymogens called Factor C, Factor B and pro-clotting enzyme
(see FIG. 1). Briefly, upon exposure to endotoxin, the
endotoxin-sensitive factor, Factor C is activated. Activated Factor
C thereafter hydrolyses and activates Factor B, whereupon activated
Factor B activates proclotting enzyme to produce clotting enzyme.
The clotting enzyme thereafter hydrolyzes specific sites, for
example, Arg.sup.18-Thr.sup.19 and Arg.sup.46-Gly.sup.47 of
coagulogen, an invertebrate, fibrinogen-like clottable protein, to
produce a coagulin gel. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No.
5,605,806.
[0006] Although the clotting cascade of LAL initially was
considered specific for endotoxin, it was later discovered that
(1.fwdarw.3)-B-D glucans also activate the clotting cascade of LAL
through a unique enzymatic pathway, referred to in the art as the
Factor G pathway (see FIG. 1). Upon exposure to (1.fwdarw.3)-B-D
glucan, Factor G is activated to produce activated Factor G.
Activated Factor G thereafter converts the proclotting enzyme into
clotting enzyme, whereupon the clotting enzyme converts coagulogen
into coagulin, similar to the case with endotoxin. Accordingly, the
coagulation system of LAL, like the mammalian blood coagulation
system, consists of at least two coagulation cascades which include
an endotoxin-mediated pathway (the Factor C pathway), and a
(1.fwdarw.3)-B-D glucan-mediated pathway (the Factor G pathway).
See, for example, Morita et al. (1981) FEBS Lett. 129: 318-321 and
Iwanaga et al. (1986) J. Protein Chem. 5: 255-268.
[0007] In view of the Factor C and Factor G pathways of LAL, the
detection of bacterial endotoxin in a sample can, under certain
circumstances, become ambiguous. As a result, attempts have been
made to increase the specificity of LAL for endotoxin, i.e., to
produce an endotoxin-specific amebocyte lysate preparation.
[0008] In one approach, polysaccharide based Factor G inhibitors
are combined with amebocyte lysate to reduce or eliminate clotting
induced by (1.fwdarw.3)-B-D glucan present in the biological
sample, i.e., inhibit the Factor G cascade. See, for example, U.S.
Pat. Nos.: 5,155,032; 5,179,006; 5,318,893; 5,474,984; and
5,641,643.
[0009] In an alternative approach, several groups have attempted to
remove Factor G from LAL thereby to produce a Factor G depleted
amebocyte lysate that is insensitive to (1.fwdarw.3)-B-D glucan.
For example, Obayashi et al. (1985) Clin. Chim. Acta 149:55-65
disclose a method for fractionating coagulation enzymes in LAL and
then recombining only those factors involved in the endotoxin
induced coagulation cascade (i.e., the Factor C cascade) to produce
a Factor G depleted amebocyte lysate. The resulting lysate,
however, may not only lack Factor G but also other components
required for a complete Factor C cascade. The reconstituted lysate
produced by this procedure, apparently does not produce a natural
coagulin type clot and can be used only with synthetic chromogenic
substrates.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,647 discloses a method for removing
Factor G from LAL by combining LAL with (1.fwdarw.3)-B-D glucan
immobilized on an insoluble carrier. Once bound to the carrier via
the (1.fwdarw.3)-B-D glucan moiety, the Factor G can thereafter be
removed from the LAL to produce a Factor G depleted lysate.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,806 discloses an immunoaffinity
based method using a Factor G specific antibody to remove Factor G
from LAL thereby to produce a Factor G depleted amebocyte
lysate.
[0011] There still exists, however, a demand for an
endotoxin-specific amebocyte lysate that can be produced
economically in commercial quantities. A method for producing such
an amebocyte lysate should be rapid, reproducible, inexpensive,
simple to conduct, and preferably should result in an amebocyte
lysate that can be used in a reliable, and quantitative
determination of endotoxin in a sample of interest.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The invention features improved amebocyte lysate
preparations having reduced Factor G activity, methods of making
such lysate preparations, and methods of using such lysate
preparations in the detection and/or quantitation of one or more
bacterial endotoxins in a sample of interest.
[0013] In one aspect, the invention provides a method of producing
an endotoxin-specific amebocyte lysate preparation for use in the
detection of bacterial endotoxins in a sample. The amebocyte lysate
preparation is rendered endotoxin-specific by the reduction and/or
elimination of Factor G activity in the preparation. The amebocyte
lysate preparation of the invention is produced by (a) admixing
crude amebocyte lysate, i.e., amebocyte lysate reactive with both
endotoxin and (1.fwdarw.3)-B-D glucan, with a surfactant in an
amount sufficient to produce a solution containing a precipitate;
and (b) separating the precipitate from the solution thereby to
produce an amebocyte lysate preparation which is less reactive with
a (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan than is the crude amebocyte lysate.
The precipitate produced by addition of surfactant to crude lysate
may contain any component necessary for a complete Factor G
cascade, however, the production of a precipitate actually
containing Factor G is preferred.
[0014] The amebocyte lysate preparation produced by the
methodologies described herein comprises all the components
necessary for a complete Factor C cascade, i.e., is still capable
of producing a coagulin gel via the endotoxin-mediated pathway.
Accordingly, the resulting amebocyte lysate preparation is capable
of reacting with a bacterial endotoxin, e.g., a bacterial endotoxin
produced by Gram negative bacteria, to produce a coagulin clot.
[0015] It is contemplated that any surfactant (otherwise known as a
surface active agent or detergent) which produces a precipitate
when added to crude amebocyte lysate, wherein the precipitate once
removed from the lysate results in a reduction of Factor G
activity, may be used in the practice of the invention. The
surfactant, however, preferably is a zwitterionic surfactant, i.e.,
a surfactant having a headgroup containing both a negatively
charged chemical moiety and a positively charged chemical moiety.
Examples of zwitterionic surfactants include betaines and
sulfobetaines, however, sulfobetaine-type surfactants are
preferred. Preferred sulfobetaine-type surfactants include, without
limitation, n-octyl- N, N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate;
n-decyl-N, N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate; n-dodecyl-N,
N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate; n-tetradecyl-N,
N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate; and n-hexadecyl-N,
N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate. The sulfobetaine-type
surfactant n-tetradecyl-N, N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate,
however, is most preferred.
[0016] In one embodiment, the method comprises the additional step
of removing from or otherwise reducing the concentration of the
added surfactant in the solution. The surfactant may be removed,
for example, by chromatographic separation using, for example, a
suitable ion exchange resin or, alternatively, by any other means
known in the art for removing a particular surfactant from an
aqueous solution. In a preferred method, the surfactant is removed
by conventional organic solvent extraction. Any organic solvent
that dissolves the surfactant of interest and is compatible with
amebocyte lysate may be used in the solvent extraction step,
however, for the reasons discussed below, chloroform is
preferred.
[0017] In another embodiment, the sensitivity to bacterial
endotoxin of an amebocyte lysate preparation having reduced Factor
G activity can be enhanced by the addition of exogenous
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan to the amebocyte lysate preparation.
In particular, (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan is added to the lysate
preparation in an amount sufficient to enhance the sensitivity of
the lysate preparation to endotoxin relative to a similar amebocyte
lysate preparation without exogenously added (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D
glucan. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it appears that
exogenously added (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan acts synergistically
with the endotoxin mediated pathway. It is understood, however,
that the same amount of (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan when added to
crude amebocyte lysate, i.e., amebocyte lysate that is reactive
with both endotoxin and (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan, likely would
induce the production of a coagulin gel via the Factor G cascade.
In effect, during the practice of this particular embodiment of the
invention, a substrate or initiator of the Factor G cascade is
added to the amebocyte lysate preparation of the invention.
[0018] Although it is contemplated that any amount of
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan that enhances the sensitivity of the
amebocyte lysate to the endotoxin relative to similar amebocyte
lysate without the exogenously added (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan
may be used in the practice of the invention, the optimal amount of
exogenous (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan for enhancing the
endotoxin-specific cascade in a particular lysate can be determined
by routine experimentation. For example, the optimal concentration
can be determined by adding different amounts of a particular
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan to crude amebocyte lysate, i.e.,
amebocyte lysate reactive with both endotoxin and
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan. The optimal amount of the
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan to be added to the amebocyte lysate
preparation of the invention, can be determined using, for example,
a kinetic turbidimetric assay whereby the optimal amount is the
amount of (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan that induces the fastest
coagulin clot formation in crude amebocyte lysate. This assay
protocol is exemplary, and it is understood that the skilled
artisan may use a variety of other assays, for example, a gel-clot
assay, an end-point turbidimetric assay, or a chromogenic assay, to
determine the optimal amount of (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan to be
added to the lysate of interest.
[0019] It is contemplated that any (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan
that induces the Factor G cascade in crude amebocyte lysate can be
used to enhance the sensitivity of the endotoxin mediated pathway
in the amebocyte lysate preparation of the invention. Preferred
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucans include, without limitation, cotton
extract; rinses from cellulose acetate membranes; curdlan;
pachyman; scleratan; leutinan; schizophyllan; coriolan; laminaran;
and laminarin. Laminarin, however, currently is most preferred.
[0020] In another aspect, the invention provides an amebocyte
lysate preparation having reduced Factor G activity, i.e., an
amebocyte lysate having reduced reactivity to (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D
glucans relative to crude lysate produced by the aforementioned
methodologies. In one embodiment, such a composition may comprise
(i) an amebocyte lysate preparation having reduced Factor G
activity or, most preferably, an amebocyte lysate preparation
depleted of Factor G activity, and (ii) exogenously added
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan, wherein the (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D
glucan is added in an amount sufficient to enhance the sensitivity
of the amebocyte lysate preparation to endotoxin relative to a
similar amebocyte lysate preparation without the exogenously added
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan. Determination of the optimal amount
of a particular (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan for enhancing
sensitivity of the lysate to endotoxin has been discussed
previously.
[0021] In another aspect, the invention provides methods for
detecting and/or quantitating the amount of a bacterial endotoxin
in a sample. The improvement in such methods resides in the use of
the amebocyte lysate preparation of the invention.
[0022] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of
the present invention will be made more apparent from the following
detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The objects and features of the invention may be better
understood by reference to the drawings described below in
which,
[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the blood
coagulation system of horseshoe crab amebocytes.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing an exemplary protocol for
producing an amebocyte lysate preparation having reduced Factor G
activity.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a densitometric representation of a Coomassie Blue
stained sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel in which
lane 1 contains molecular weight markers, lane 2 contains crude
Limulus amebocyte lysate, lane 3 contains precipitate removed from
Limulus amebocyte lysate following the addition of a precipitating
amount surfactant, and lane 4 contains amebocyte lysate supernatant
produced after removal of the surfactant induced precipitate.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the reactivity with laminarin of
crude Limulus amebocyte lysate and Limulus amebocyte lysate of the
invention. Diamonds represent batch K2222L, squares represent batch
L4941LB, triangles represent batch L1081LB, and circles represent
batch L1711LB.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the reactivity with a cellulose
acetate rinse of crude Limulus amebocyte lysate and Limulus
amebocyte lysate of the invention. Diamonds represent batch K2222L,
squares represent batch L4941LB, triangles represent batch L1081LB,
and circles represent batch L1711LB.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the reactivity with cotton extract
of crude Limulus amebocyte lysate and Limulus amebocyte lysate of
the invention. Diamonds represent batch K2222L, squares represent
batch L4941LB, triangles represent batch L1081LB, and circles
represent batch L1711LB.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a graph showing the sensitivity to endotoxin of
Limulus amebocyte lysate of the invention in the presence and
absence of exogenously added (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan. The
circles-represent lysate without exogenously added laminarin and
the boxes represent lysate with exogenously added laminarin.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] As will be more fully described below, this invention is
based, in part, upon the discovery of an inexpensive and reliable
method for producing an endotoxin-specific amebocyte lysate
preparation. The resulting amebocyte lysate preparations are useful
in the detection and/or quantitation of a bacterial endotoxin in a
sample of interest.
[0032] In particular, the method is based upon a protocol for
reducing or preferably depleting amebocyte lysate of Factor G
activity, with the resulting lysate being less reactive to
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan than untreated amebocyte lysate. In
addition, the invention is based, in part, upon the discovery that
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan, when exogenously added to an
amebocyte lysate preparation depleted of Factor G activity (for
example, by the removal of Factor G, or by the addition of Factor G
inhibitors, for example, Factor G inhibitors of the type described
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,155,032; 5,179,006; 5,318,893; 5,474,984; and
5,641,643, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference) can enhance the sensitivity of the resulting amebocyte
lysate preparation to endotoxin. The invention, therefore, provides
an endotoxin-specific amebocyte lysate preparation for use in
reliably detecting and/or quantitating a bacterial endotoxin in a
sample of interest.
[0033] The amebocyte lysate preparation of the invention is
produced by: (a) admixing a sample of crude amebocyte lysate, i.e.,
amebocyte lysate that is reactive with both endotoxin and
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan, with a surfactant in an amount
sufficient to produce a solution containing a precipitate; and (b)
separating the precipitate from the solution thereby to produce an
amebocyte lysate preparation which is less reactive with a
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan than the crude amebocyte lysate. The
resulting amebocyte lysate preparation preferably still comprises
all components necessary for the Factor C cascade and, therefore,
is capable of producing a coagulin gel following the addition of
endotoxin.
[0034] As used herein, the term, "amebocyte lysate" is understood
to mean any lysate produced by the lysis of blood cells
(amebocytes) extracted from the hemolymph of a horseshoe crab.
Preferred horseshoe crabs include crabs belonging to the Limulus
genus, for example, Limulus polyphemus, the Tachpleus genus, for
example, Tachpleus gigas, and Tachypleus tridentatus, and the
Carcinoscorpius genus, for example, Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda.
As used herein, the term, "crude amebocyte lysate" is understood to
mean any amebocyte lysate that is capable of producing a coagulin
clot in the presence of an endotoxin, for example, an endotoxin
produced by Gram negative bacteria, and a (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D
glucan, for example, laminarin.
[0035] As used herein, the term, "Factor G" is understood to mean
any protein or polypeptide that acts as a serine protease zymogen
and is capable of initiating the production of a coagulin gel-clot
in crude amebocyte lysate following exposure to
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan. The isolation and characterization of
horseshoe crab Factor G has been discussed extensively in the art
(see, for example, Seki et al. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269:
1370-1374, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference) and, therefore, is not discussed in detail herein.
[0036] As used herein, the term, "(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan" is
understood to mean any water soluble polysaccharide, disaccharide
or derivative thereof that is (i) capable of inducing formation of
a coagulin clot in crude Limulus amebocyte lysate, and (ii)
contains at least two .beta.-D glucosides, as defined in formula I
below, connected by a (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glycosidic linkage. It
is contemplated that such a polysaccharide or derivative thereof,
in addition to containing a (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glycosidic
linkage may also contain glucoside moieties connected by a variety
of other glycosidic linkages, for example, via a
(1.fwdarw.4)-.beta.-D glycosidic linkage and/or by a
(1.fwdarw.6)-.beta.-D glycosidic linkage. It is contemplated that
such (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucans may be isolated from a variety
of sources including, without limitation, plants, bacteria, yeast,
algae, and fungi, or alternatively may be synthesized using
conventional sugar chemistries. 1
[0037] As used herein, the term "reactive with
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan" refers to an amebocyte lysate, which
in the presence of a (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan is capable of
producing a product that can be detected in a conventional gel-clot
assay, end point-turbidimetric assay, kinetic turbidimetric assay
or a chromogenic assay. Similarly, as used herein, the term
"reactive with a bacterial endotoxin" refers to an amebocyte
lysate, which in the presence of an endotoxin produced by a Gram
negative bacteria is capable of producing a product that can be
detected in a conventional gel-clot assay, end point-turbidimetric
assay, kinetic turbidimetric assay or a chromogenic assay.
[0038] As used herein, the term, "surfactant" is understood to mean
any surface active agent or detergent that is capable of producing
a precipitate when admixed with crude amebocyte lysate, wherein the
precipitate once removed from the lysate results in a reduction of
Factor G activity. As used herein, the term, "zwitterionic
surfactant" is understood to mean any surfactant having a headgroup
containing both a negatively charged chemical moiety and a
positively charged chemical moiety. Examples of useful zwitterionic
surfactants useful in the practice of the instant invention
include, without limitation, betaines (see, for example, formula II
below) and sulfobetaines (see, for example, formula III below),
however, sulfobetaines currently are the most preferred. 2
[0039] wherein n can be 7, 9, 11, 13 or 15.
[0040] As used herein, the term, "precipitate" is understood to
mean any insoluble material produced following admixture of crude
amebocyte lysate with a surfactant. It is contemplated that the
precipitate may contain Factor G and/or other, heretofore
undiscovered, components necessary for a functional Factor G
cascade.
Preparation of Amebocyte Lysate Having Reduced Factor G
Activity
[0041] A flow chart showing an exemplary protocol for producing an
amebocyte lysate preparation having reduced Factor G activity, more
preferably, an amebocyte lysate preparation depleted of Factor G
activity is shown in FIG. 1. It is contemplated that any crude
amebocyte lysate may be used as a starting material in the protocol
shown in FIG. 1.
[0042] Crude lysates may be produced using the procedure as
originally described in Levin et al. (1968) Thromb. Diath.
Haemorrh. 19:186, with modification. Briefly, blood (hemolymph) is
harvested from horseshoe crab in a saline solution isotonic with
sea water (about 3% NaCl (w/v)) containing an anti-coagulant, for
example, N-ethylmaleimide, caffeine, or Tween.RTM. 20. The
amebocytes are washed with the same solution to remove hemolymph
factors and lysed by osmotic shock via exposure to pyrogen-free
water. After 24 hours, the amebocyte lysate is separated from
cellular debris by centrifugation. The preparation of crude lysate
also is discussed, for example, in Richard B. Prior, Ed., "Clinical
Applications of the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate Test" CRC Press, pp.
28-36 and pp. 159-166, and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,322,217, the
disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0043] In order to produce amebocyte lysate having reduced Factor G
activity, surfactant is added to crude amebocyte lysate in an
amount sufficient to produce a precipitate. As mentioned
previously, it is contemplated that any surfactant or detergent
which produces a precipitate upon addition to crude amebocyte
lysate, wherein the precipitate once removed from the lysate
results in a reduction of Factor G activity, may be used in the
practice of the invention. Preferred surfactants include
zwitterionic surfactants, i.e., surfactants having a headgroup
containing both a negatively charged chemical moiety and a
positively charged chemical moiety. Examples of zwitterionic
surfactants useful in the practice of the invention include
betaines and sulfobetaines, however, sulfobetaine-type surfactants
are the more preferred.
[0044] A family of sulfobetaine type detergents are available
commercially from Calbiochem.RTM., San Diego, Calif. under the
tradename Zwittergent.RTM.. Sulfobetaine type detergents apparently
retain zwitterionic character over a wide pH range. Currently
preferred sulfobetaine-type surfactants include, without
limitation, n-octyl- N, N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate
(also known as Zwittergent.RTM. 3-08); n-decyl-N,
N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate (also known as
Zwittergent.RTM. 3-10); n-dodecyl-N,
N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfon- ate (also known as
Zwittergent.RTM. 3-12); n-tetradecyl-N,
N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate (also known as
Zwittergent.RTM. 3-14); and n-hexadecyl-N,
N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate (also known as
Zwittergent.RTM. 3-16). The sulfobetaine-type surfactant is
n-tetradecyl-N, N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate
(Zwittergent.RTM. 3-14), however, is most preferred.
[0045] The optimal concentration of surfactant necessary to produce
a precipitate when combined with crude amebocyte lysate can be
determined by routine experimentation. For example, the skilled
artisan may simply add increasing concentrations of a particular
surfactant to crude amebocyte lysate until a precipitate is
produced. The amebocyte lysate preparation following removal of the
precipitate can then be tested for reduced Factor G activity using
any of the conventional assays, for example, gel-clot, end-point
turbidimetric, kinetic turbidimetric, or chromogenic assays, well
known and thoroughly document in the art. With regard to the
sulfobetaine type-detergents, preferred detergent concentrations
range from about 0.01% to about 0.6% (w/v) and most preferably from
about 0.05% to about 0.25% (w/v). Specifically, with regard to the
sulfobetaine-type surfactant n-tetradecyl-N,
N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate (Zwittergent.RTM. 3-14),
this detergent is preferably added to the crude lysate to a final
concentration of from about 0.05% (w/v) to about 0.20% (w/v), most
preferably about 0.12% (w/v) to produce a precipitate.
[0046] Optimal precipitation conditions may be determined by
varying one or more of detergent concentration, temperature, and
time of incubation. For example, preferred incubation conditions
include incubation at temperatures below about 20.degree. C., most
preferably about 2-15.degree. C. for about 2-24 hours. These
conditions appear to preserve the activity of the lysate
preparation during the precipitation step. For example, in the case
of Zwittergent.RTM. 3-14, the resulting mixture preferably is
incubated at 2-8.degree. C. for 8-24 hours. Following incubation,
the resulting precipitate can be removed by any conventional
technique known in the art, for example, centrifugation followed by
the removal of supernatant from a pellet of precipitate.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of the
surfactant remaining in the supernatant, if necessary, is reduced
to a level that permits the Factor C cascade to be operative. The
extent of surfactant removal to produce a lysate containing an
operative Factor C cascade may be determined by routine
experimentation. For example, the amount of surfactant remaining in
the supernatant can be determined, for example, by standard thin
layer chromatography (TLC). Under certain circumstances it may be
preferable to remove at least about 35% of the surfactant from the
supernatant, more preferably at least about 70%, and most
preferably at least about 90%. For example, consistent removal of
at least about 90% of the surfactant from the lysate, enables one
to produce formulations of amebocyte lysate preparations with
relatively defined components. As a result, it may be easier to
produce batches of amebocyte lysate preparations having the same or
similar activities. It is understood, however, that it is possible
to control the sensitivity of the resulting lysate preparation to
endotoxin by altering the concentration of residual detergent in
the lysate preparation. For example, the more detergent removed,
the more sensitive the lysate to endotoxin. Accordingly, in order
to prepare a lysate having a desired sensitivity to endotoxin, the
amount of detergent removed from the lysate preparation may be
altered by varying the detergent extraction conditions discussed
below.
[0048] It is contemplated that the skilled artisan may use any
conventional procedure for removing a particular surfactant or more
particularly, Zwittergent.RTM. from the mixture. For example, it is
contemplated that the surfactant may removed by, for example,
conventional ion exchange chromatography or, more preferably by
organic solvent extraction. Furthermore, it is contemplated that
the surfactant may be removed prior to, subsequent to, or during
the removal of the precipitate from the mixture.
[0049] In a preferred embodiment, Zwittergent.RTM. surfactant is
removed from the mixture simultaneously with the precipitate by
organic solvent extraction. For example, following the production
of the precipitate, the resulting mixture may be extracted with an
organic solvent that dissolves surfactant and is compatible with
amebocyte lysate. In an exemplary protocol, organic solvent is
added to the mixture of amebocyte lysate and surfactant, and the
combination thoroughly mixed. After extraction, the combination may
separate to produce a three phase system comprising an organic
phase, an interface of precipitate, and an aqueous phase. When an
organic solvent, for example, chloroform is employed, the resulting
aqueous phase is located above the organic phase, with the
precipitate residing at the interface of the organic and aqueous
phases.
[0050] It is contemplated that any organic solvent which dissolves
the surfactant and which is compatible with amebocyte lysate (i.e.,
does not impair the Factor C cascade) may be used to remove the
surfactant. Also, it has been noted that certain organic solvents
may be used to remove or inactivate lysate inhibitors, which when
removed or inactivated enhance the sensitivity of the resulting
lysate to endotoxin. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,107,077 and
4,279,774, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference. Accordingly, it may be preferable, but not essential
that the organic solvent used to remove the surfactant also remove
or inactive the lysate inhibitors. Preferred solvents include,
without limitation, chloroform, iodoform, bromoform, lower alkyl
halides such as methyl bromide, methyl chloride, methyl iodide,
ethyl chloride, ethyl iodide, propyl chloride, propyl bromide and
propyl iodide, ethylene dichloride, methylene dichloride, benzene,
monohalobezenes such as chlorobenzene, bromobenzene and
iodobenzene, lower alkyl ethers such as dimethyl ether and diethyl
ether, carbon tetrachloride, trichioroethane, trichloroethylene,
toluene and hexane. Choice of the optimal organic solvent for a
particular surfactant may be determined by routine
experimentation
[0051] In a preferred embodiment, when using the sulfobetaine
detergent Zwittergent.RTM. 3-14, chloroform is the preferred
organic solvent for use in the organic extraction. Chloroform is
not only compatible with the lysate and capable of dissolving
Zwittergent.RTM. 3-14, but also is capable of removing and/or
inactivating known LAL inhibitors in amebocyte lysate. It is
understood that the amount of detergent removed can be altered,
thereby altering the endotoxin sensitivity of the lysate, by
varying the chloroform to lysate ratio during organic solvent
extraction.
[0052] Following extraction, the resulting organic and aqueous
phases are allowed to separate. Separation may be speeded up by
centrifugation. For example, phase separation may be speeded up by
centrifugation at about 500G to about 2,000G, most preferably about
1,200G. Following centrifugation, the aqueous phase is harvested.
For example, when chloroform is used, the upper aqueous phase may
be harvested by decanting the aqueous phase thereby leaving behind
the interfacial material and the lower chloroform organic phase.
The decanted upper aqueous phase, preferably is subjected to a
second round of centrifugation, for example, at about 5,000G to
about 9,000G, most preferably about 7,000G. The resulting aqueous
phase then is separated and harvested from residual interfacial
material and/or organic phase, and either stored or formulated as
desired. It is appreciated, however, that the optimal number and
extent of the centrifugation steps for a particular system may be
determined by routine experimentation.
[0053] The resulting upper aqueous phase can then stored at reduced
temperature or formulated immediately. For example, when frozen
lysate may retain activity indefinitely, whereas, when stored at
2-8.degree. C., the lysate may retain activity for several weeks.
The reduction in Factor G activity of the resulting amebocyte
lysate preparations can be determined using any of the techniques
described hereinbelow.
Enhancement of the Sensitivity of Amebocyte Lysate Preparations to
Endotoxin
[0054] As discussed hereinabove, it has been discovered that the
sensitivity to endotoxin of an amebocyte lysate preparation having
reduced Factor G activity may be enhanced by the addition of an
exogenous (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan. An increase in sensitivity
is understood to mean that the lysate with additive reacts faster
to produce a product at lower endotoxin concentrations than lysate
without additive. In particular, (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan can
be added to the lysate preparation in an amount sufficient to
enhance the endotoxin sensitivity of the lysate preparation
relative to a similar amebocyte lysate preparation without the
exogenously added (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan. It is understood,
however, that the same amount of (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan when
added to crude amebocyte lysate likely would induce the production
of a coagulin gel via the Factor G cascade. In effect, during the
practice of this particular embodiment of the invention,
surprisingly a substrate or initiator of the now reduced or
depleted Factor G cascade is added to the amebocyte lysate
preparation of the invention. It is contemplated that this type of
enhancement may occur with any lysate depleted of Factor G activity
(e.g., wherein Factor G is removed from lysate or wherein the
lysate contains Factor G inhibitors).
[0055] The identification of suitable (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucans
as well as the identification of optimal concentrations of
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucans for enhancing endotoxin sensitivity
may be determined by routine experimentation using the
methodologies described hereinbelow. With regard to the type of
useful (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucans, it is contemplated that any
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan that induces a Factor G mediated
cascade in crude amebocyte lysate can be used in the practice of
this aspect of the invention. Currently preferred
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucans include, without limitation, natural
polysaccharides obtained from cell walls of, for example, various
bacteria (for example, Alcaligenes genus, and Agrobacterium genus),
yeasts (for example, shiitake) with specific examples of natural
polysaccharides including, for example, curdlan, pachyman,
scleratan, leutinan, schizophylan, and coriolan. Other natural
polysaccharides include storage polysaccharides of algae, for
example, brown algae, Euglena, diatoma, with specific examples of
storage polysaccharides including, for example, laminaran,
laminarin, and paramilon. Preferred (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucans
also include, for example, polysaccharide derivatives in which at
least one group selected from a carboxymethyl group, a carboxyethyl
group, a methyl group, a hydroxyethyl group, a hydroxypropyl group,
and a sulfopropyl group, is introduced into a natural
polysaccharide or storage polysaccharide using conventional
methodologies well known in the art. See, for example, Munio Kotake
"Daiyukikagaku" Vol. 19 7.sup.th ed. Asakura Shoten, May 10 (1967)
pp. 70-101; A. E. Clarke et al. (1967) Phyto-chemistry 1: 175-188;
and T. Sasaki et al. (1967) Europ. J. Cancer, 15: 211-215. Other
naturally occurring polysaccharides may be derived from cotton
wool, for example, in cotton wool extracts, and certain
cellulose-based filters used in the processing of medicinals. See,
for example, Roslansky et al. (1991) J. Clin. Micro. 29: 2477;
Henne et al. (1984) Artif. Organs 8: 299; and Ikemura et al. (1989)
J. Clin. Micro. 27: 1965. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the
aforementioned polysaccharides and derivatives thereof may be used
either alone or in combination with others to enhance endotoxin
sensitivity.
[0056] Although it is contemplated that any amount of
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan that enhances the sensitivity of the
amebocyte lysate to the endotoxin relative to similar amebocyte
lysate without the exogenously added (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan
can be used in the practice of this aspect of the invention, the
optimal amount of exogenous (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan for
enhancing the endotoxin-specific cascade in a particular lysate can
be determined by routine experimentation. For example, the optimal
concentration can be determined by adding different amounts of a
particular (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan to crude amebocyte lysate,
wherein the optimal amount is the amount of (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D
glucan that induces the fastest coagulin clot or color formation in
crude amebocyte lysate. See, for example, Examples 4, 5 and 6,
disclosed hereinbelow. These assay protocols are considered to be
exemplary, and it is understood that the skilled artisan may use a
variety of assays, for example, gel-clot, kinetic turbidimetric,
end-point turbidimetric or chromogenic assays, to determine the
optimal amount of (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan to be added to the
lysate of interest.
[0057] Once the optimal concentration of a particular
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan for enhancing endotoxin sensitivity
has been determined, then the same of amount of the
(1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan can then be added to an amebocyte
lysate preparation having reduced or eliminated Factor G activity
thereby to enhance the endotoxin sensitivity of the resulting
mixture. It is contemplated that the endotoxin sensitivity of any
amebocyte lysate having reduced Factor G activity may be enhanced
by the addition of (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan. For example, it is
contemplated that the endotoxin sensitivity of any amebocyte lysate
having reduced Factor G activity may be enhanced by the addition of
exogenous (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan.
Formulation of Amebocyte Lysate
[0058] The resulting lysate may be formulated using conventional
methodologies well known and thoroughly discussed in the art. See,
for example, R. B. Prior, Ed., (1990), "Clinical Applications of
the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate Test", CRC Press, and U.S. Pat. No.
4,322,217, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference. Methods for enhancing sensitivity of amebocyte lysate
may include, without limitation, the aging of crude amebocyte
lysate, adjustment of pH, adjustment of divalent cation
concentration, adjustment of coagulogen concentration, chloroform
extraction, and the addition of serum albumin, biocompatible
buffers and/or biological detergents.
[0059] For example, typical formulation additives may include,
without limitation, about 100-300 mM NaCl, about 10-100 mM divalent
cations (e.g., Mg.sup.2+ or Ca.sup.2+), biocompatible buffers,
e.g., Tris, to give a final pH of about 6.0 to 8.0, and, if the
lysate is to be freeze dried, then sugars, e.g., mannitol or
dextran. It is contemplated that, the choice of appropriate
formulation additives may be determined by routine
experimentation.
[0060] Lysate, once formulated, typically is lyophilized for long
term storage. The lyophilized amebocyte lysate formulations may be
reconstituted prior to use by the addition of, for example,
pyrogen-free water, or any other pyrogen-free biocompatible
buffer.
Methods for Measuring Bacterial Endotoxins
[0061] It is contemplated that the amebocyte lysate preparations of
the invention may be used to detect and/or quantitate the amount of
endotoxin in any sample of interest. For example, it is
contemplated that the lysate may be used to detect and/or measure
the concentration of endotoxin in any pharmaceutical preparation,
for example, an organically produced drug or a recombinantly
produced protein, and/or any medical device of interest. In
addition, the lysate may be used to detect and/or measure the
concentration of endotoxin in biological samples of, for example,
blood, serum, plasma, urine, semen, ascitic fluid, peritoneal
fluid, sputum, breast exude, and spinal fluid.
[0062] It is contemplated that the amebocyte lysate of the
invention may be used to detect and/or quantitate a bacterial
endotoxin in a sample using any lysate-based assay now known or
later developed that detects one or more products of the Factor C
cascade. It is contemplated, however, that the amebocyte lysate
preparation of the invention may be used to advantage in any
conventional gel-clot, end-point turbidimetric, kinetic
turbidimetric, or chromogenic assay, known and/or used in the art.
The particulars of each of these four types of assays are described
below.
(i) Gel-Clot Assay
[0063] This technique is described in Prior, R. B., Ed., supra, pp.
28-34, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein,
and, therefore, is not described in detail herein. Briefly, the
gel-clot assay comprises the steps of (i) mixing amebocyte lysate
preparation with the sample to be analyzed, (ii) incubating the
resulting mixture at a temperature of 0.degree. to 40.degree. C.,
preferably 25.degree. to 40.degree. C., for a predetermined time,
for example, one hour, and (iii) visually inspecting whether or not
a gel-clot has been produced.
(ii) End Point Turbidimetric Assay
[0064] This technique is described in Prior, R. B., Ed., supra, pp.
28-34 and, therefore, is not described in detail herein. Briefly,
the end point turbidimetric assay comprises the steps of (i) mixing
amebocyte lysate preparation with a sample to be investigated, (ii)
incubating the resulting mixture at a temperature of 0.degree. to
40.degree. C., preferably 25.degree. to 40.degree. C., for a
predetermined time, and (iii) measuring the increase in turbidity
as a result of coagulation, if any, using a conventional
coagulometer, nepherometer, spectrophotometer, or the like.
(iii) Kinetic Turbidimetric Assay
[0065] This technique is described in Prior, R. B., Ed., supra, pp.
28-34 and, therefore, is not described in detail herein. Briefly,
the kinetic turbidimetric assay comprises the steps of (i) mixing
amebocyte lysate preparation with a sample to be investigated, (ii)
incubating the resulting mixture at a temperature of 0.degree. to
40.degree. C., preferably 25.degree. to 40.degree. C., over a
predetermined time range, and (iii) measuring a time required for
either a turbidity change caused by coagulation to reach a
preselected value or a ratio in change of the turbidity, using a
conventional coagulometer, nepherometer, spectrophotometer, or the
like.
(iv) Chromogenic Assay
[0066] This technique is described in Prior, R. B., Ed., supra, pp.
28-34, and U.S. Pat. Nos.: 4,301,245; 4,717,658; and 5,310,657, the
disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference and,
therefore, is not described in detail herein. Briefly, the
chromogenic assay comprises the steps of (i) mixing amebocyte
lysate preparation with a sample to be investigated, (ii)
incubating the resulting mixture at a temperature of 0.degree. to
40.degree. C., preferably 25.degree. to 40.degree. C., for a
predetermined time, then, if necessary, adding a reaction
inhibitor, and (iii) measuring a substance released by protease
activity from the synthetic substrate calorimetrically, or the
like.
EXAMPLES
[0067] Practice of the invention will be more fully understood from
the following examples, which are presented herein for illustrative
purposes only, and should not be construed as limiting the
invention in any way.
Example 1
Preparation and Characterization of Amebocyte Lysate Depleted of
Factor G Activity
[0068] This example describes a preferred method for producing an
amebocyte lysate having reduced Factor G activity. Throughout the
following procedure, all reagents and apparatus, where appropriate,
are produced or treated to be pyrogen free. Such methodologies are
well known in the art and, therefore, are not discussed in detail
herein. For example, apparatus may be made pyrogen-free by baking
in an oven at .gtoreq.200.degree. C. for four hours, and reagents
may be made pyrogen-free by treatment by ultra filtration
(.ltoreq.20 kD cut off), oxidation with peroxide, or treatment with
NaOH.
[0069] Crude amebocyte lysate was prepared by harvesting hemolymph
from horseshoe crab. The resulting hemolymph was centrifuged to
produce an amebocyte pellet. The amebocytes then were reharvested,
rerinsed and recentrifuged. After second rinsing and harvesting
steps, the resulting amebocytes were lysed by osmotic shock, and
the resulting crude amebocyte lysate stored at 2-8.degree. C. until
further use.
[0070] Thereafter, Zwittergent.RTM. 3-14 was added stepwise to the
crude lysate to a final concentration of 0.12% (w/v). The resulting
solution was stored at 2-8.degree. C. for 8-24 hours. Thereafter,
the solution was mixed with chloroform (4-5 parts lysate to 1 part
chloroform) by gentle stirring for 10-30 minutes at 2-8.degree. C.
The resulting mixture was then centrifuged at 1,200 G for 15
minutes, whereupon the resulting upper aqueous and lower organic
phases were separated by interfacial precipitate material. The
aqueous phase then was harvested by decanting, and recentrifuged at
7,000 G for at least 30 minutes to achieve clarity. After
centrifugation, the resulting aqueous phase was decanted from the
residual organic phase and interfacial material. The extent of
detergent extraction was estimated by thin layer chromatography
(TLC). Briefly, samples of chloroform extract and lysate were
applied to a TLC plate (Whatman PE SIL GLUV), developed with
methanol:water (10:1(v/v)), and the detergent visualized with UV
light. By this procedure, no residual detergent was detectable in
the lysate.
[0071] Fractionation of the crude amebocyte lysate, the precipitate
produced by the surfactant, and the supernatant containing the
amebocyte lysate by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel
electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) suggests that Factor G is actually
contained in the precipitate and, therefore, is removed from the
lysate. Densitometric profiles of each lane of the resulting
Coomassie Blue stained SDS-PAGE gel are shown in FIG. 3.
[0072] In FIG. 3, lane 1 represents the densitometric profile of
molecular weight markers, wherein peak 2 represents a protein
having a molecular weight of 66 kD, peak 3 represents a protein
having a molecular weight of 45 kD, peak 4 represents a protein
having a molecular weight of 36 kD, peak 5 represents a protein
having a molecular weight of 29 kD, peak 6 represents a protein
having a molecular weight of 24 kD, peak 7 represents a protein
having a molecular weight of 20 kD, peak 8 represents a protein
having a molecular weight of 14.2 kD, and peak 9 represents a
protein having a molecular weight of 6.5 kD.
[0073] In FIG. 3, lane 2 represents a fractionated sample of crude
amebocyte lysate wherein peaks 12 and 15 apparently represent the
two subunits of Factor G (one having a molecular weight of about 76
kD and the other having a molecular weight of about 36 kD). Lane 3
represents a fractionated sample of amebocyte lysate supernatant
following detergent precipitation. According to lane 3, it appears
that the supernatant is depleted of the 76 kD and 36 kD Factor G
subunits. Lane 4 represents a fractionated sample of the lysate
precipitate. According to lane 4, it appears that the precipitate
contains the 76 kD and 36 kD subunits of Factor G (peaks 29 and
33/34, respectively). According to these profiles, it appears that
Factor G was actually precipitated from the lysate by the
surfactant.
Example 2
Formulation of Amebocyte Lysate Depleted of Factor G Activity
[0074] Following preparation of the amebocyte lysate preparation of
the invention, the resulting lysate was formulated as follows:
1 PERCENTAGE COMPONENTS OF COMPONENTS Extracted Limulus Amebocyte
Lystate 37% Water 8% 0.4 M Mg.sup.2+/0.6 M Tris-HEPES Buffer 10% 6%
Dextran 6% 3% NaCl 39% Laminarin 0.000004%-0.000013%
[0075] The resulting formulation was stored at 2-8.degree. C. until
use.
Example 3
Reactivity of Crude Amebocyte Lysate and Lysate Depleted of Factor
G Activity with Bacterial Endotoxin
[0076] This example demonstrates that amebocyte lysate of the
invention still reacts with bacterial endotoxin, as determined by
the gel-clot assay. Three batches of amebocyte lysate having
reduced Factor G activity (referred to as L4941LB, L1081LB,
L1711LB) as produced by the method of Example 1 and formulated as
described in Example 2 were tested for endotoxin reactivity using a
gel-clot assay. Batches L4941LB and L1081LB were also formulated
with 0.4% bulking protein and 0.01% Zwittergent.RTM. 3-14.
[0077] The endotoxin reactivity of each batch of lysate was
determined simultaneously with a control batch of lysate, referred
to as reference lysate lot 13, obtained from the USFDA. The
endotoxin standard used in each determination was obtained from
USFDA, and is referred to herein as EC-6. Briefly, a standard
solution of EC-6 endotoxin was prepared. Thereafter, endotoxin was
added to the reference lysates to give a final endotoxin
concentration of 0.5, 0.25, 0.125, 0.06, or 0.03 EU/mL. Similarly,
endotoxin was added to the test lysates to give a final toxin
concentration of 0.06, 0.03, 0.015, or 0.007 EU/mL. After mixing,
the resulting mixtures were incubated at 37.degree. C. for one
hour, after which the presence or absence of a clot was noted. All
the samples were treated the same.
[0078] In order to assure the integrity of the assay, the assays
were performed in a specific order. For example, a first batch of
four reference lysate samples (denoted by test number 1 in Tables
1, 3, and 5) was analyzed first, then a batch of ten lysate test
samples formulated as described in Example 2 (denoted by vial
numbers 1-10 in Tables 2,4, and 6) was analyzed, and finally a
second batch of four reference lysate samples (denoted by test
number 2 in Tables 1, 3, and 5) was analyzed.
[0079] Each test sample was analyzed side-by-side with a reference
lysate. Accordingly, data relating to the reactivity of reference
lysate 13 (Table 1) was derived contemporaneously with data
relating to the reactivity of the test lysate batch number L1711LB
(Table 2). According to Table 1, the reactivity of reference lysate
13 had an endpoint value (E.Pt.) of 0.06 EU/mL for the assay (i.e.,
within a recognized acceptable level). According to Table 2, the
reactivity of test lysate L1711LB (10 samples) had an endpoint
value estimated at 0.06 EU/mL. Accordingly, the test lysate L1711LB
was level of sensitivity.
2TABLE 1 Reference Lysate Lot 13, Endotoxin Lot EC-6 TEST 0.5 0.25
0.125 0.06 0.03 E.Pt. 1 + + + + - 0.06 1 + + + + - 0.06 1 + + + + -
0.06 1 + + + + - 0.06 2 + + + + - 0.06 2 + + + + - 0.06 2 + + + + -
0.06 2 + + + + - 0.06 MEAN (Log.sub.2): -4 S.D. (Log.sub.2 Data):
-- Geometric Mean: 0.06 STATED ENDPOINT: 0.06 EU/ml
[0080]
3TABLE 2 Test Lysate Lot L 1711LB, Endotoxin Lot EC-6 VIAL 0.125
0.06 0.03 0.015 E.Pt. 1 + + - - 0.06 2 + + - - 0.06 3 + + - - 0.06
4 + + - - 0.06 5 + + - - 0.06 6 + + - - 0.06 7 + + - - 0.06 8 + + -
- 0.06 9 + + - - 0.06 10 + + - - 0.06 MEAN (Log.sub.2): -4 S.D.
(Log.sub.2 Data): -- Geometric Mean: 0.06 STATED ENDPOINT: 0.06
EU/ml
[0081] Similarly, data relating to the reactivity of reference
lysate 13 (Table 3) was derived contemporaneously with data
relating to the reactivity of the test lysate batch number L1081LB
(Table 4). According to Table 3, the reactivity of reference lysate
13 had an endpoint value (E.Pt.) of 0.06 EU/mL for the assay (i.e.,
within a recognized acceptable level). According to Table 4, the
reactivity of test lysate L1081LB (10 samples) had an endpoint
value estimated at 0.015 EU/mL. Accordingly, the test lysate
L1081LB was more sensitive to endotoxin than the reference
lysate.
4TABLE 3 Reference Lysate Lot 13, Endotoxin Lot EC-6 TEST 0.5 0.25
0.125 0.06 0.03 E.Pt. 1 + + + + - 0.06 1 + + + + - 0.06 1 + + + + -
0.06 1 + + + + - 0.06 2 + + + + - 0.06 2 + + + + - 0.06 2 + + + + -
0.06 2 + + + + - 0.06 MEAN (Log.sub.2): -4 S.D. (Log.sub.2 Data):
-- Geometric Mean: 0.06 STATED ENDPOINT: 0.06 EU/ml
[0082]
5TABLE 4 Test Lysate Lot L1081LB, Endotoxin Lot EC-6 VIAL 0.06 0.03
0.015 0.007 E.PT. 1 + + + - 0.015 2 + + + - 0.015 3 + + + - 0.015 4
+ + + - 0.015 5 + + + - 0.015 6 + + + - 0.015 7 + + + - 0.015 8 + +
+ - 0.015 9 + + + - 0.015 10 + + + - 0.015 MEAN (Log.sub.2): -6
S.D. (Log.sub.2 Data): -- Geometric Mean: 0.015 STATED ENDPOINT:
0.015 EU/ml
[0083] In addition, data relating to the reactivity of reference
lysate 13 (Table 5) was derived contemporaneously with data
relating to the reactivity of the test lysate batch number L4941LB
(Table 6). According to Table 5, the reactivity of reference lysate
13 had an endpoint value (E.Pt.) of 0.06 EU/mL for the assay (i.e.,
within a recognized acceptable level). According to Table 6, the
reactivity of test lysate L4941LB (10 samples) had an endpoint
value estimated at 0.03 EU/mL. Accordingly, the test lysate L4941LB
was more sensitive to endotoxin than the reference lysate.
6TABLE 5 Reference Lysate Lot 13, Endotoxin Lot EC-6 TEST 0.5 0.25
0.125 0.06 0.03 E.Pt. 1 + + + + - 0.06 1 + + + + - 0.06 1 + + + + -
0.06 1 + + + + - 0.06 2 + + + + - 0.06 2 + + + + - 0.06 2 + + + + -
0.06 2 + + + + - 0.06 MEAN (Log.sub.2): -4 S.D. (Log.sub.2 Data):
-- Geometric Mean: 0.06 STATED ENDPOINT: 0.06 EU/ml
[0084]
7TABLE 6 Test Lysate Lot L4941LB, Endotoxin Lot EC-6 VIAL 0.06 0.03
0.015 0.007 E.PT. 1 + + + - 0.015 2 + + + - 0.015 3 + + - - 0.03 4
+ + - - 0.03 5 + + + - 0.015 6 + + - - 0.03 7 + + - - 0.03 8 + + -
- 0.03 9 + + + - 0.015 10 + + - - 0.03 MEAN (Log.sub.2): -5.46 S.D.
(Log.sub.2 Data): 0.52 Geometric Mean: 0.02 STATED ENDPOINT: 0.03
EU/ml
[0085] All three batches of lysate, L4941LB, L1081LB and L1711LB
met the 24 hour negative control requirements as required by the
USFDA.
Example 4
Reactivity of Crude Amebocyte Lysate and Lysate Depleted of Factor
G Activity with Laminarin
[0086] This example demonstrates that Limulus amebocyte lysates
produced by the method of the invention, unlike crude lysates, are
insensitive to the presence of laminarin in the sample. In
addition, this example defines the optimal amount of laminarin (as
determined from the crude lysate sample) that may be exogenously
added to the lysate preparation of the invention, thereby to
enhance the sensitivity of the lysate preparation to endotoxin.
[0087] A standard solution of laminarin was produced by dissolving
1.0 g of laminarin in 100 ml of 5 mM NaOH to produce a 10 mg/mL
solution. The resulting solution was autoclaved at 121.degree. C.
for one hour. After autoclaving, the pH was adjusted to 7.0 with
0.1M Tris buffer. This solution was then diluted in pyrogen-free
water to give a final laminarin stock solution of 0.2 mg/mL. A
dilution series of laminarin was produced, and the reactivity of
crude lysate and the lysate preparation of the invention to
laminarin was determined both by gel-clot and kinetic-turbidimetric
assays.
I. Gel-Clot Assay
[0088] Gel-clot assays were performed by combining either crude
lysate or lysate preparations of the invention with different
amounts of laminarin. Crude lysate (batch K2222L) was formulated
essentially as described in Example 2, except that the "Extracted
Limulus Amebocyte Lysate" was replaced with crude lysate and the
concentration of laminarin was varied between samples. The lysate
preparations of the invention (batch L4941LB, batch L1081LB, and
batch L1711LB) were formulated essentially as described in Example
3. except the concentration of laminarin was varied between
samples. The samples were incubated at 37.degree. C., and the
presence or absence of clots determined after one hour. Each
experiment was performed in duplicate, and the results summarized
in Table 7.
8TABLE 7 LAMINARIN Conc. K2222L L4941LB L1081LB L1711LB Dilution
mg/mL 0.03 0.03 0.015 0.06 1 50 4.00E-03 - - - - - - - - 2 100
2.00E-03 - - - - - - - - 3 200 100E-03 - - - - - - - - 4 5 6 7 8
400 800 1600 3200 6400 5.00E-04 2.50E-04 1.25E-04 6.25E-05 3.13E-05
3 - -- -- -- -- #- - -- -- -- -- - - -- -- -- -- - 9 12800 1.56E-05
- - - - - - - - 10 25600 7.81E-06 - - - - - - - - 11 51200 3.91E-06
- - - - - - - - 12 102400 1.95E-06 - - - - - - - - 13 204800
9.77E-07 - - - - - - - - 14 409600 4.88E-07 - - - - - - - - 15
819200 2.44E-07 - - - - - - - - 16 1638400 1.22E-07 - - - - - - - -
17 3276800 6.10E-08 - - - - - - - - 18 6553600 3.05E-08 - - - - - -
- - Shaded areas represent sample active range.
[0089] The results in Table 7 indicate that none of the batches
produced by the method of invention (i.e., L4941LB, L1081LB and
L1711LB) were reactive with exogenously added laminarin. In
contrast, the batch of crude lysate (K2222L) was reactive with
liminarin over the dilution range of 400 through 6400 in a gel-clot
assay.
II. Kinetic-Turbidimetric Assay
[0090] Reactions were initiated by combining either formulated
crude lysate (batch K2222L) or formulated lysate preparations of
the invention (batch L4941LB, batch L1081LB, and batch L1711LB)
with different amounts of laminarin. The assay was performed using
a Biotek elx-808 incubating microplate reader in accordance with
the manufacturers instructions. Each assay was run, at least, in
duplicate. During the assay, the samples were incubated at
37.+-.0.2.degree. C., and data was collected over a period of one
hour.
[0091] The assay was performed simultaneously using additional
lysate samples incubated in the presence of known amounts of
endotoxin standards. Endotoxin standards were used to generate a
standard curve covering a 4-log range, for example, from 50 to
0.005 EU/mL. After data collection, the data was analyzed using
Biotek Kc3-cre kinetic software (available from Charles River
Endosafe, Charleston, S.C.). The sample concentrations were
interpreted as "endotoxin values" by the instrument and were
represented by the units of EU/mL because they were estimated from
the endotoxin standard curve. The resulting concentration values
reflect the reactivity of the lysate to laminarin, and are referred
to as "endotoxin equivalent values".
[0092] By plotting the laminarin endotoxin equivalent values versus
dilution factor, it is possible to generate a bell-shaped curve
with crude lysate. The peak of the curve provides the optimal
amount of laminarin which can be added to amebocyte lysate depleted
of Factor G activity, thereby to enhance the sensitivity of the
lysate.
[0093] The results of the experiment are shown in FIG. 4. According
to FIG. 4, none of the batches produced by the method of the
invention (i.e., L4941LB, L1081LB and L1711LB) were reactive with
exogenously added laminarin. In contrast, the batch of crude lysate
(K2222L) was reactive with laminarin over the dilution range of 100
through 51200, with the dilution value of 3200 producing the
maximal endotoxin equivalent value. Accordingly, this value
represents the optimal amount of laminarin to be added to amebocyte
lysate depleted of Factor G activity to provide maximal sensitivity
to endotoxin in a kinetic turbidimetric assay.
Example 5
Reactivity of Crude Amebocyte Lysate and Lysate Depleted of Factor
G Activity with LAL Reactive Material
[0094] This example demonstrates that Limulus amebocyte lysates
produced by the method of the invention, unlike crude lysates, are
insensitive to the presence in the sample of LAL reactive material
(LAL-RM) produced by rinsing a cellulose-acetate filter with water.
In addition, this example defines the optimal amount of this LAL-RM
(as determined from the crude lysate sample) that may be
exogenously added to the lysate preparation of the invention,
thereby to enhance the sensitivity of the lysate preparation to
endotoxin.
[0095] LAL-RM was prepared by passing one liter of pyrogen-free
water through a conventional sterile, non-pyrogenic cellulose
acetate hollow fiber membrane adapted for use in renal dialysis.
The resulting rinse then was used to create a dilution series of
cellulose acetate rinse. The reactivity of crude lysate and the
lysate preparation of the invention to the cellulose acetate rinse
was determined both by gel-clot and kinetic-turbidimetric
assays.
I. Gel-Clot Assay
[0096] The gel-clot assays were performed as described in Example
4I above, except in the formulations laminarin was replaced by
cellulose acetate rinse. The assays were performed by combining
either formulated crude lysate (batch K2222L) or formulated lysate
preparations of the invention (batch L4941LB, batch L1081LB, and
batch L1711LB) with different amounts of cellulose acetate rinse.
The samples were incubated at 37.degree. C., and the presence or
absence of clots assessed after one hour. Each experiment was
performed in duplicate and the results summarized in Table 8.
9TABLE 8 Cellulose Acetate Rinse Conc. K2222L L4941LB L1081LB
L1711LB Dilution mg/mL 0.03 0.03 0.015 0.06 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 50 100
200 400 800 1600 3200 6400 4.00E-03 2.00E-03 1.00E-03 5.00E-04
2.50E-04 1.25E-04 6.25E-05 3.13E- #05 4 - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - -
-- -- -- -- -- -- #-- - - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - 9 12800 1.56E-05 -
- - - - - - - 10 25600 7.81E-06 - - - - - - - - 11 51200 3.91E-06 -
- - - - - - - 12 102400 1.95E-06 - - - - - - - - 13 204800 9.77E-07
- - - - - - - - 14 409600 4.88E-07 - - - - - - - - 15 819200
2.44E-07 - - - - - - - - 16 1638400 1.22E-07 - - - - - - - - 17
3276800 6.10E-08 - - - - - - - - 18 6553600 3.05E-08 - - - - - - -
- Shaded areas represent sample active range.
[0097] The results of Table 8 indicate that none of the batches
produced by the method of the invention (i.e., L4941LB, L1081LB and
L1711LB) were reactive with exogenously added cellulose acetate
rinse as determined by gel-clot assay. In contrast, the batch of
crude lysate (K2222L) was reactive with cellulose acetate over the
dilution range of 50 through 6400 in a gel-clot assay.
II. Kinetic-Turbidimetric Assay
[0098] This assay was performed as described in Example 4II above,
except in the formulations laminarin was replaced by cellulose
acetate rinse. Reactions were initiated by combining either crude
lysate (batch K2222L) or lysate preparations of the invention
(batch L4941LB, batch L1081LB, and batch L1711LB) with different
amounts of cellulose acetate rinse. The results of the assay are
presented in FIG. 5. According to FIG. 5, none of the batches
produced by the method of the invention (i.e., L4941LB, L1081LB and
L1711LB) were reactive with exogenously added cellulose acetate. In
contrast, the batch of crude lysate (K2222L) was reactive with
cellulose acetate over the dilution range of 50 through 102400 with
the dilution value of 400 producing the maximal endotoxin
equivalent value. Accordingly, this value represents the optimal
amount of cellulose acetate to be added to amebocyte lysate
depleted of Factor G activity to provide maximal sensitivity to
endotoxin in a kinetic turbidimetric assay.
Example 6
Reactivity of Crude Amebocyte Lysate and Lysate Depleted of Factor
G Activity with Cotton Extract
[0099] This example demonstrates that Limulus amebocyte lysates
produced by the method of the invention, unlike crude lysates, are
insensitive to the presence in the sample of cotton extract. In
addition, this example defines the optimal amount of cotton extract
(as determined from the crude lysate sample) that may be
exogenously added to the lysate preparation of the invention,
thereby to enhance the sensitivity of the lysate preparation to
endotoxin.
[0100] Cotton extract was prepared as follows. Approximately, 1
gram of cotton (about 4 one inch cotton balls) was added to 40 ml
of 1 N NaOH in a 50 ml polystyrene conical tube. Thereafter, the
mixture was incubated at room temperature (about 20.degree. C.) for
10 days. Prior to use, the solution was decanted from the cotton
into a fresh, pyrogen-free tube (baked 200.degree. C., 6 h) and
neutralized with HCl to produce a stock solution of cotton extract.
Further dilutions were made in pyrogen-free water (available from
Charles River Endosafe, Charleston, S.C.). The reactivity of crude
lysate and the lysate preparation of the invention to cotton
extract were determined both by gel-clot and kinetic-turbidimetric
assays.
I. Gel-Clot Assay
[0101] The gel-clot assays were performed as described in Example
4I above, except in the formulations laminarin was replaced by
cotton extract. The assays were performed by combining either
formulated crude lysate (batch K2222L) or formulated lysate
preparations of the invention (batch L4941LB, batch L1081LB, and
batch L1711LB) with different amounts of cotton extract. The
samples were incubated at 37.degree. C., and the presence or
absence of clots determined after one hour. Each experiment was
performed in duplicate and the results summarized in Table 9.
10TABLE 9 LAMINARIN Conc. K2222L L4941LB L1081LB L1711LB Dilution
mg/mL 0.03 0.03 0.015 0.06 1 50 4.00E-03 / / / / / / / / 2 3 4 5
100 200 400 800 2.00E-03 1.00E-03 5.00E-04 2.50E-04 5 - -- -- -- -
- -- -- -- # - - -- -- -- - 6 1600 1.25E-04 - - - - - - - - 7 3200
6.25E-05 - - - - - - - - 8 6400 3.13E-05 - - - - - - - - 9 12800
1.56E-05 - - - - - - - - 10 25600 7.81E-06 - - - - - - - - 11 51200
3.91E-06 - - - - - - - - 12 102400 1.95E-06 - - - - - - - - 13
204800 9.77E-07 - - - - - - - - 14 409600 4.88E-07 - - - - - - - -
15 819200 2.44E-07 - - - - - - - - 16 1638400 1.22E-07 - - - - - -
- - 17 3276800 6.10E-08 - - - - - - - - 18 6553600 3.05E-08 - - - -
- - - - Shaded areas represent sample active range.
[0102] The results in Table 8 indicate that none of the batches
produced by the method of the invention (i.e., L4941LB, L1081LB and
L1711LB) were reactive with exogenously added cotton extract. In
contrast, the batch of crude lysate (K2222L) was reactive with
cotton extract over the dilution range of 100 through 800 in a
gel-clot assay.
II. Kinetic-Turbidimetric Assay
[0103] This assay was performed as described in Example 4II above,
except in the formulations laminarin was replaced by cotton
extract. Reactions were initiated by combining either crude lysate
(batch K2222L) or lysate preparations of the invention (batch
L4941LB, batch L1081LB, and batch L1711LB) with different amounts
of cotton extract. The results of the assay are presented in FIG.
6. According to FIG. 6, none of the batches produced by the method
of the invention (i.e., L4941LB, L1081LB and L1711LB) were reactive
with exogenously added cotton extract. In contrast, the batch of
crude lysate (K2222L) was reactive with cotton extract over the
dilution range of from at least 100 through 3200. According to the
results, it appears that cotton extract also may be used to enhance
the sensitivity of Factor G depleted lysate to endotoxin.
Example 7
Endotoxin Sensitivity of Amebocyte Lysate Depleted of Factor G
Activity With and Without (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D Glucan
[0104] This example demonstrates that the sensitivity to endotoxin
of an amebocyte lysate depleted of Factor G activity can be
enhanced by the addition of exogenous (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D
glucan.
[0105] Briefly a batch of amebocyte lysate prepared in accordance
with Example 1 was formulated essentially as described in Example
2. A control batch was formulated without the exogenously added
laminarin. The reactivities of each lysate to different amounts of
endotoxin were measured by kinetic-turbidimetric assay, essentially
as described in Example 4II. Briefly, different amounts of
endotoxin (USFDA lot EC-6) were added to each sample of lysate and
the reaction end point determined by Bio-tek KC3-cre kinetic
software. The results are shown in FIG. 7. The circles represent
samples of lysate not supplemented with laminarin (control
samples), and the boxes represent samples of lysate supplemented
with laminarin (test samples).
[0106] According to FIG. 7, at high concentrations of endotoxin
(i.e., about 50 EU/ml) there appears to be little difference in
reaction time between lysate supplemented with laminarin and lysate
not supplemented with laminarin. However, at low concentrations of
endotoxin (i.e., about .ltoreq.0.05 EU/mL), the lysate supplemented
with laminarin reacted significantly faster with endotoxin than
lysate not supplemented with laminarin. Accordingly, these results
demonstrate that it is possible to enhance the sensitivity of an
amebocyte lysate depleted of Factor G activity by the addition of
exogenous (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D glucan.
Equivalents
[0107] The invention may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics
thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered
in all respects illustrative rather than limiting on the invention
described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicated by the
appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all
changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of
the claims are intended to be embraced therein.
* * * * *