Inhibition of the synthesis of macromolecules in Escherichia coli by nitrofuran derivatives. 3. Nifurpirinol.

Abstract

The effect of nifurpirinol on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA) and protein syntheses was investigated in 2 strains of Escherichia coli. In the both strains these syntheses were all inhibited at the concentrations higher than the minimal inhibitory concentration against the strains. DNA and RNA syntheses were also inhibited at lower concentrations than the minimal inhibitory concentration where bacterial growth was temporarily suppressed. The most sensitive to nifurpirinol was DNA synthesis among the syntheses tested. The concentration and the time inhibiting DNA synthesis almost coincided to those inhibiting bacterial growth. The results indicate that the inhibition of DNA synthesis may be a mechanismof antibacterial action of nifurpirinol.