Suzuki M, Mikami T, Matsumoto T, Suzuki S
Microbiol Immunol. 1977;21(8):419-25. doi: 10.1111/j.1348-0421.1977.tb00307.x.
The Limulus test has been considered specific for the presence of bacterial endotoxins. To synthesize a simple model of endotoxin, palmitoyldextran phosphate was prepared by modification of dextran by palmitoylation and phosphorylation. The present studies indicated that a variety of polysaccharide derivatives, such as palmitoyldextran phosphate, palmitoyldextran, and dextran phosphate, give a positive Limulus test and show pyrogenic activity, except for low molecular dextran derivatives. On the other hand, polysaccharides, such as dextran, starch (soluble-, chitosan, xylan, and lentinan, were negative in these assays. The gelation reaction of Limulus lysate by modified dextran derivatives may depend on the molecular weight or modification of polysaccharides by palmitoylation and/or phosphorylation to a great extent.
