Evidence for Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase in Mollicutes and Release of Reactive Oxygen Species

Abstract

The presence of superoxide dismutase was demonstrated in 21 strains of mollicutes, including achuloplas-mas, mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas. Additionally, catalase activities were demonstrated in nearly 50% of the cell lysates. whereas no peroxide activities were detectable. The production of O₂-and H₂O₂ with glucose as substrate was demonstrated for 8 strains of 10 strains tested. Anaerobic mycoplasmas showed the highest amount of radical production, whereas superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were in the range of activities estimated for aerobic mollicutes. Some pathogenic strains additionally released compounds into the culture medium, which stimulated O₂-production by PMNs.

Key Words:

• Superoxide dismutase
• rnollicutes
• mycoplasma
• cataiase
• superoxide.