Effect of Nitrofurans on the Respiration of E. coli. II

Dependene of the Activity of Drugs on the Preincubation Period

Abstract

Washed-cell suspension of Escherichia coli shows a marked inhibition of respiration when preincubated with 5×10^-4M of 2-(5-nitro) furfural semicarbazone (Furacin), but addition of the same concentration of Furacin at a period when substrate oxidation is occurring does not show any inhibition of respiration. The effect of Furacin is not reversed by the washing or dialysis of bacteria or addition of glutathione and the nitro group of Furacin disappears or is reduced by the application of sufficiently washed cell suspension of bacteria.