Effects of staphylococcal -toxin on the structure of erythrocyte membranes: a biochemical and freeze-etching study.

SUMMARY: A correlated electron microscopy and biochemical study of the effects of staphylococcal α-toxin on rabbit erythrocyte membrane structure has been carried out. Using several criteria, no evidence was obtained for the involvement of a proteolytic mechanism in the mode of action of this toxin. After toxin treatment, ghosts examined by freeze-etching showed changes in micromorphology consistent with a hydrophobic interaction between toxin and membrane.