title: Protection by D-amino acids against growth inhibition and lysis caused by beta-lactam antibiotics.
abstract: D-Isomers of several amino acids completely protected growing cultures of Escherichia coli against all antibacterial effects of beta-lactam antibiotics up to approximately two to three times the MICs of the antibiotics. L-Isomers of amino acids were ineffective. Protection depended on the concentration and time of addition of the D-amino acids. This appears to be the first demonstration of natural products capable of reversing the antibacterial effects of beta-lactam antibiotics.
mesh_terms: D000596:Amino Acids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D001433:Bacteriolysis / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D047090:beta-Lactams
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D047090:beta-Lactams