S. Modak, C. L. Fox
Oct 1, 1973
Citations
5
Influential Citations
203
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Biochemical pharmacology
Abstract
Abstract The mechanism of action of silver sulfadiazine (AgSD) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated by use of the isotopes, 110Ag and 35S. AgSD was found to dissociate and only the silver moiety was bound to the cells; no cellular binding of sulfadiazine was detected. Silver was bound in considerable amounts, mainly in the fraction containing the cell proteins and carbohydrates. The DNA of log phase cells showed a degree of binding of silver which varied with time of incubation. The DNA-bound silver increased to a peak value during inhibition of growth and then declined to a low level. Growth did not occur until the Ag/DNA ratio had fallen below a certain level. The data suggest that inhibition of bacterial growth results from interference of DNA function by binding of silver ions along the helical chain.