Abstract
Summary
Two exometabolites have been demonstrated to accumulate in protein free culture medium in which log phase promastigotes of L. donovani are metabolizing. These molecules demonstrate gel filtration characteristics suggesting a molecular weight in the range of 800-1900. The ultraviolet absorption spectra of the exometabolites suggest the presence of peptide bonds with tyrosine present in one and tryptophan in the other. Sugar was demonstrated to be associated with both Fractions A and B, suggesting the exometabolites are glycopeptides. The exometabolite in Fraction B did not react with specific antibody to form precipitates unless it was in combination with serum protein. The data strongly suggest that the exometabolite conjugates with protein forming a multivalent entity.
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