Anti-LPS factor, which has been identified to be
an anticoagulant towards the LPS-mediated
coagulation system in the horseshoe crab, T.
tridentatus, was found to have a hemolytic function
with respect to the RBC sensitized with
various LPS. Anti-LPS factor seems to bind to the
LPS, especially lipid A, embedded in the RBC
membrane in that the hemolysis was inhibited by
S. minnesota R595 LPS (Re type LPS) but not by
E. coli 0113 native polysaccharide.
[41
Since this hemolysis occurs even at O”C, and is
completed within 1 min at 33”C, the hemolysis induced
by anti-LPS factor is likely to be a direct
hemolytic reaction specific for LPS rather than an
enzymatic reaction.