title: Tetraphenylphosphonium is an indicator of negative membrane potential in Candida albicans.
abstract: The characteristics of the uptake of lipophilic cations tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP+) into Candida albicans have been investigated to establish whether TPP+ can be used as a membrane potential probe for this yeast. A membrane potential (delta psi, negative inside) across the plasma membrane of C. albicans was indicated by the intracellular accumulation of TPP+. The steady-state distribution of TPP+ was reached within 60 min and varied according to the expected changes of delta psi. Agents known to depolarize membrane potential caused a rapid and complete efflux of accumulated TPP+. The initial influx of TPP+ was linear over a wide range of TPP+ concentrations (2.5-600 microM), indicating a non mediated uptake. Thus, TPP+ is a suitable delta psi probe for this yeast.
mesh_terms: D001692:Biological Transport / Q000187:drug effects; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000378:metabolism*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D009761:Nystatin / Q000494:pharmacology; D009861:Onium Compounds / Q000378:metabolism; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D009861:Onium Compounds; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D009761:Nystatin; C013289:tetraphenylphosphonium