UNBALANCED GROWTH AND LATENT KILLING OF ESCHERICHIA COLI FOLLOWING EXPOSURE TO SULFUR MUSTARD.
Abstract
This report describes the effects of unbalanced metabolism on the survival of strains of Escherichia coli treated with sulfur mustard. Strains studied required thymine, arginine, and uracil (15T(-)A(-)U(-)) and thymine and phenylaniline (15T(-)PA(-)). Resistant bacteria incubated for 2 hr in a +T, -PA medium became progressively sensitive to sulfur mustard when transferred to a -T, -PA medium. Return to their original medium restored their original resistance. Resistant cells preincubated in +T, -AU showed higher survivals and were less susceptible to latent killing on post-treatment incubation in a -T, -AU medium. Controls in this medium remained immune to the induction of thymineless death, while mustard-treated cells showed small, dose-dependent, latent-killing effects. Pretreatment in thymidine media gave highest resistances and immunities to thymineless death. Resistant state was developed by subjecting mustard-treated cells to low levels of unbalanced metabolism. Unbalanced metabolism effects DNA and RNA stability. The monofunctional analog, beta-chloroethyl beta-hydroxyethyl sulfide, does not inhibit DNA synthesis nor promote its breakdown. Cross-alkylating reactions are effective for initiating unbalanced metabolism. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0614284
Entities
People
- Bruno Papirmeister
- Claire L. Davison
Organizations
- Edgewood Chemical Biological Center