Formation of Ring-Shaped Structures on Erythrocyte Membranes after Treatment with Botulinolysin, a Thiol-Activated Hemolysin from Clostridium botulinum

Damage to erythrocyte membranes by botulinolysin (BLY) was studied by electron microscopy, which revealed ring-shaped structures with inner diameters and widths of approximately 32 and 6.7 nm, respectively. BLY bound to membranes at 0°C, but subsequent treatment with glutaraldehyde prevented ring formation during further incubation at 37°C. Zn(2+) ions inhibited ring formation but not binding of BLY to membranes.