The Effect of Lysozyme on the Production of Tetanus Toxin. II. Mouse M.L.D. *

It has previously been reported' that during the production of tetanus toxin in the Mueller Medium, the medium becomes dark and turbid in about 24 hours, followed by clearing in four or five days. When clearing occurs, maximum toxin production or release is obtained as measured by Lf units. The simultaneous occurrence of clearing and presence of maximum Lf value has been attributed to "autolysis" of the organisms with simultaneous release of toxin.8 An attempt to demonstrate an increased yield in toxin production by artificial lysis of the organisms with lysozyme revealed no rise in Lf titer, although there was a marked decrease in time of flocculation due to the presence of lysozyme during the early stages of growth.4 The present report deals with the effect of lysozyme on tetanus cultures as measured by their toxicity in mice.