Effect of organic N-halamines on selected membrane functions in intact Staphylococcus aureus cells.
Two N-halamine compounds, 3-chloro-4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazolidinone and 1,3-dichloro-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-imidazolidinone, were compared with free chlorine as to their effects on selected membrane functions of intact Staphylococcus aureus cells. Free chlorine was found to cause a loss of permeability control, as measured by the efflux of potassium from the cells and a dramatic increase in hydrogen ion permeability, and to affect cell respiration in a nonreversible fashion, as measured by oxygen uptake. The two N-halamines were found to have very little effect on permeability to either potassium or hydrogen ions but were both found to dramatically inhibit respiration in a reversible manner. It is proposed that the first step in the disinfection process by these N-halamines is an inhibition of respiratory enzymes that, if not reversed, ultimately leads to a loss of cell viability.
Williams
D E
DE
Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences and Mathematics, Auburn University, Alabama 36849.
Swango
L J
LJ
Wilt
G R
GR
Worley
S D
SD
D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability / Q000187:drug effects; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006219:Halogens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007700:Kinetics; D010080:Oxazoles / Q000494:pharmacology*; D023303:Oxazolidinones; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism; D012119:Respiration; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism
D004202:Disinfectants; D006219:Halogens; D007093:Imidazoles; D010080:Oxazoles; D023303:Oxazolidinones; C036350:3-chloro-4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazolidinone; C069218:1,3-dichloro-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-imidazolidinone; D011188:Potassium