Neutralization of endotoxin toxicity in chick embryos by antibiotics.
Abstract
Rifkind, David (University of Colorado Medical Center, Denver), and John D. Palmer. Neutralization of endotoxin toxicity in chick embryos by antibiotics. J. Bacteriol. 92:815-819. 1966.-Three cationic cyclic polypeptide antibiotics, polymyxin B sulfate colistin sulfate, and tyrocidine hydrochloride, were shown to neutralize endotoxin lethality in chick embryos. The neutralizing potency of these antibiotics was approximately equivalent, 0.06 to 0.11 mumole of antibiotic per mug of endotoxin. Methane sulfonation of colistin resulted in a 13-fold decrease in endotoxin-neutralizing potency. Other cationic cyclic polypeptide antibiotics were inactive, as well all other classes of antibiotics tested, including the neutral cyclic polypeptides. Several nonantibiotic polycationic proteins and polymers tested were also inactive. It is suggested that certain cationic cyclic polypeptide antibiotics neutralize by combining directly with the toxic moiety of the endotoxin molecule. Possibly this combination involves the cationic groups of the antibiotics and the polyphosphate groups of the phospholipid component of endotoxin.
Citations
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Antifungals
An antifungal, also known as an antimycotic medication, is a pharmaceutical fungicide or fungistatic used to treat and prevent mycosis such as athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis, and others. Discover the latest research on antifungals here.
Antifungals (ASM)
An antifungal, also known as an antimycotic medication, is a pharmaceutical fungicide or fungistatic used to treat and prevent mycosis such as athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis, and others. Discover the latest research on antifungals here.