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The effect of Na+ (CI- or gluconate salt) on growth and dimorphic potential of the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans has been examined. Profiles of germ tube formation as a function of salt addition, pH and temperature indicated Na+ inhibition of germ tube outgrowth at high ambient pH (pH 8.0) which was exacerbated by replacement of CI- with gluconate (as an impermeant analogue). At acidic pH (pH 5.5) and permissive temperature (37 °), gluconate alone promoted the dimorphic transition. Rates of glucose-induced medium acidification and plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity have been measured to assess whether salt treatments could retard the cytoplasmic alkalinization known to precede germ tube formation. The precise site of Na+ action remains unclear but the anion effects may be interpreted in terms of anion-exchanger and channel activity acting to modulate cytosolic pH.
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