PRODUCTION AND REGENERATION OF PROTOPLASTS FROM THE Y-PHASE OF THE HUMAN PATHOGENIC FUNGUS PARACOCCIDIOIDES-BRASILIENSIS

Protoplasts of Y-cells and partially converted M-cells from several hu man isolates of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis were obtained with a com bined enzyme system containing Novozym 234 and a chitinase. A laborato ry made extract from Trichoderma harzianum CBS-345-33 supplemented wit h chitinase induced the release of protoplasts from partially converte d M-cells but not from established Y-cells. A similar yield of protopl asts (1-2 x 10(5) ml(-1) after 16 h) was produced by using either enzy matic system. Protoplasts regenerated on nutrient gelatin at 23 degree s C at a frequency of 0.1%.