Influence of the Main Phospholipid (MPL) from<i>Thermoplasma Acidophilum</i>and of Liposomes from MPL on Living Cells: Cytotoxicity and Mutagenicity

Abstract

Liposomes of the main phospholipid (MPL) from the archaebacterium Thermplasma acidophilum were investigated for their interference with living cells. Growth of mouse lymphoma cells L5178Y, permanent hamster fibroblasts V79, Ehrlich-mouse-ascites tumor (EMAT) cells and a variety of other celltypes was not influenced by these liposomes. Mutagenicity and antimutagenic efficacy were tested with Salmonella typhimurium TA100 in the “Ames plate-incorporation test”. No cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of liposomes from MPL was detected. The influence of MPL liposomes on ion transport, intracellular pH, electrolytes, membrane potential, energy metabolism, and the biosynthesis of proteins and nucleic acids in EMAT cells is demonstrated in detail.