Dithiols simulate endotoxin in theLimulus reaction

Summary Dithiothreitol, dithioerythritol and bacterial lipopolysaccharides increase optical absorbance and clotLimulus lysate. Purification of dithiothreitol from possible endotoxin contamination by vacuum sublimation or chromatography does not abolish the reaction with lysate. The dithiols reported active here represent the smallest molecules capable of simulating endotoxin in theLimulus test.Acknowledgments. This investigation was supported by grant No. P30 14194 and CA 12635, awarded by the National Cancer Institute, Dhew.     

Dithiols simulate endotoxin in the Limulus reaction.

Dithiothreitol, dithioerythritol and bacterial lipopolysaccharides increase optical absorbance and clot Limulus lysate. Purification of dithiothreitol from possible endotoxin contamination by vacuum sublimation or chromatography does not abolish the reaction with lysate. The dithiols reported active here represent the smallest molecules capable of simulating endotoxin in the Limulus test.