Abstract.
We analyzed the mycolic acid composition of trehalose 6,6′-dimycolate (TDM) obtained from Mycobacterium, using thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Utilizing TDM, whose structure was confirmed, granuloma formation in mice was investigated. All TDM used exhibited considerable granuloma formation activity in the lung and spleen. In particular, TDM from M. bovis showed the greatest activity and toxicity among mycobacterial TDM. We therefore discussed the relationship between the chemical structure and granuloma-forming activity of TDM, especially in relation to the structure of mycolic acid in TDM.
Keywords: Key words. Trehalose 6,6′-dimycolate (TDM); cord factor; mycolic acid; granuloma formation; Mycobacterium; gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Footnotes
Received 29 July 1996; received after revision 22 October 1996; accepted 31 October 1996