Cytotoxic interaction between gorgonian explants: Mode of action

The decrease of 14C-labeled amino acid incorporation was used as a measurement of contact-induced cytotoxicity between two heterospecific gorgonian explants. The test appeared to be satisfactory as it revealed early cytotoxic events, prior to the death and lysis of the target cells. The results support the suggestion that the lysis of the target explant is an active process and consequently that when too many target cells (about 3 4 of the explant) have been inactivated, the target will virtually not lyse.