Faculty Collaboration Database

Lactoferrin and transferrin damage of the gram-negative outer membrane is modulated by Ca2+ and Mg2+. J Gen Microbiol 1990 Jul;136(7):1437-46

Date

07/01/1990

Pubmed ID

2230724

DOI

10.1099/00221287-136-7-1437

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0025360795 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   118 Citations

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 Ca2+ and Mg2+. Addition of Ca2+ also blocked the ability of lactoferrin to increase the susceptibility of Escherichia coli to rifampicin. Transferrin, but not lactoferrin, increased susceptibility of Gram-negative bacteria to deoxycholate, with reversal of sensitivity occurring with exposure to Ca2+ or Mg2+. 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 Ca2+ and Mg2+.

Author List

Ellison RT 3rd, LaForce FM, Giehl TJ, Boose DS, Dunn BE

Author

Bruce Dunn MD Emeritus Professor in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Calcium
Cell Membrane
Deoxycholic Acid
Drug Resistance, Microbial
Escherichia coli
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Kinetics
Lactoferrin
Lipopolysaccharides
Magnesium
Microscopy, Electron
Polymyxin B
Rifampin
Transferrin