Inactivation of penicillin-induced staphylococcal L-forms by human serum high density lipoprotein.
In penicillin-susceptible bacteria, penicillin causes growth of a small fraction of cells as wall-deficient forms if an appropriate osmoprotection is provided (unstable L-forms). A subfraction of human serum high density lipoprotein (HDL3) was shown to have the ability to inactivate unstable L-forms of Staphylococcus aureus. The active principle was distinguishable from the well-documented trypanosome lytic factor 1 with respect to density, size, and other properties. This L-form cytotoxicity therefore seems to represent a novel antimicrobial entity in human serum.
Shimokawa
O
O
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Nakayama
H
H
D001770:Blood Bactericidal Activity; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000097:blood* / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D010406:Penicillins / Q000494:pharmacology; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development
D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL; D010406:Penicillins