Permeability changes caused by desertomycin in fungal, animal and plant cells

Membrane phospholipid composition in Saccharomyces uvarum cells grown in the presence of subinhibitory doses of amphotericin B and desertomycin

In Saccharomyces uvarum cultures, subinhibitory doses of amphotericin B and desertomycin induced alterations in the plasma membrane phospholipid composition. Amphotericin B increased the lipid content in the plasma membrane. It showed a pronounced effect on fatty acyl constituents by raising the amounts of mono- and polyunsaturated derivatives in phospholipids. On the other hand, desertomycin had no apparent effect on fatty acid synthesis but altered the relative composition of phospholipids in the membrane. Phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine contents decreased, while their precursors, phosphatidyl serine and phosphatidic acid, increased. On the other hand, the rates of phosphatidyl inositol were not significantly affected by the action of either antifungal agent.

Antibiotic-induced changes of mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea

The effect of antibiotics and metabolic inhibitors on mycelial growth of Botrytis cinera was followed. Inhibitors of protein synthesis, chloramphenicol, erythromycin and tetracycline inhibit growth or sporulation of Botrytis cinera. Ethidium bromide, 5-fluorouracil, phenylethylalcohol and K 20 cause granulation, vacuolization and undulation of hyphase. 2,4-Dinitrophenol, boromycin, macrotetrolides, monensin, scopathricin and TX2 at subfungistatic concentrations induce intensive branching of hyphal tips i.e. at the site of synthesis of the cell wall. In older hyphase grown in the absence of the antibiotics the branching begins after their addition, particularly in the septum region. When comparing the results referred to here with those obtained previously and on the basis of literature data it may be assumed that the changes in polarity of growth of Botrytis cinerea might be caused primarily or secondarily by impairing membrane functions and formation of cell walls.