title: Effects of Norway spruce (Picea abies) resin on cell wall and cell membrane of Staphylococcus aureus.
abstract: Resin salve prepared from Norway spruce (Picea abies) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat skin diseases. The authors studied with transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and with electron physiology, changes in cell wall and cell membrane of Staphylococcus aureus after exposure of the bacterial cultures to resin. After exposure, cell wall thickening, cell aggregation, changed branching of fatty acids, and dissipation of membrane potential of the bacterial cells were observed. The authors conclude that spruce resin affects the cell viability via changes in the cell wall and membrane, and impairs, thereby, the synthesis of energy in the bacteria.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Rheumatism Foundation Hospital, Heinola, Finland. arno.sipponen@repolar.com
authors.forename: Arno
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sipponen
authors.forename: Rainer
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Peltola
authors.forename: Janne J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Jokinen
authors.forename: Kirsi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Laitinen
authors.forename: Jouni
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lohi
authors.forename: Merja
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rautio
authors.forename: Minna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mannisto
authors.forename: Pentti
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sipponen
authors.forename: Kari
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lounatmaa
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D050296:Microbial Viability / Q000187:drug effects; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D028222:Picea; D012116:Resins, Plant / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D012116:Resins, Plant