Disposition of exposed antigens on the faces of isolated Mycoplasma gallisepticum membranes.

The transverse disposition of exposed protein antigens on the two faces of isolated Mycoplasma gallisepticum membranes have been investigated by using indirect immunoferritin labeling to accomplish visualization of the antigens at the ultrastructural level. Comparison between the labeling patterns obtained with unabsorbed specific mycoplasma antiserum and antiserum from which antibodies directed against outer side determinants had been removed revealed that the majority of protein antigens were the same on the opposed membrance faces or at least displayed extensive interside cross-reactivity. The relatively scarce tagging of isolated Acholeplasma laidlawii membranes, contrary to membranes on intact organisms observed in this investigation, precluded conclusions regarding the disposition of membrane antigens of this species. The advantages and limitations of the employed method in disposition studies and the factors influencing the transverse distribution of membrane proteins in mycoplasmas are discussed.