ISSN:
1432-072X
Keywords:
Coxiella burnetii
;
Lipopolysaccharide
;
Endotoxin
;
Lipid A
;
Fatty acids
;
3-Hydroxy fatty acids
;
3-Acyloxyacyl residues
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The constituent fatty acids of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) of Coxiella burnetii (phase I and II) were qualitatively and quantitatively analysed by combined gas-liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The total fatty acid content (per mg LPS) was determined as 90.0 nmol (2.3 wt%) for LPS of phase I cells (LPS I) and 179.1 nmol (4.8 wt%) for LPS of phase II cells (LPS II). Of the 24 different acyl residues characterized (12 to 18 carbon atoms), nine were 3-hydroxy fatty acids (normal, iso- and anteiso-branched) which quantitatively predominated. All 3-hydroxylated fatty acids were found to possess the (R)-configuration, to be exclusively amide-linked and to be acylated at their 3-hydroxyl group. Ester-linked nonhydroxylated fatty acids (normal, iso- and anteiso-branched) were present but esterbound 3-hydroxy- or 3-acyloxyacyl residues were lacking from C. burnetii LPS I and LPS II. As the major acyl group (R)-3-(12-methyl-tetradecanoloxy)-12-methyl-tetradecanoic acid was identified. Our results show that the complex fatty acid spectrum of C. burnetii differs considerably from that of LPS of other Gram-negative bacteria. They further suggest an enormous heterogeneity of the lipid A component of C. burnetii LPS I and LPS II.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00409228
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