1887

Abstract

Lactoferrin and transferrin have antimicrobial activity against selected Gram-negative bacteria, but the mechanism of action has not been defined. We studied the ability of lactoferrin and transferrin to damage the Gram-negative outer membrane. Lipopolysaccharide release by the proteins could be blocked by concurrent addition of Ca and Mg. Addition of Ca also blocked the ability of lactoferrin to increase the susceptibility of to rifampicin. Transferrin, but not lactoferrin, increased susceptibility of Gram-negative bacteria to deoxycholate, with reversal of sensitivity occurring with exposure to Ca or Mg. In transmission electron microscopy studies polymyxin B caused finger-like membrane projections, but no morphological alterations were seen in cells exposed to EDTA, lactoferrin or transferrin. These data provide further evidence that lactoferrin and transferrin act as membrane-active agents with the effects modulated by Ca and Mg.

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1990-07-01
2024-11-02
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