Abstract
The reactions of polymyxin E with several lipids have been investigated using the monolayer technique. Strong complex formation has been shown to occur between polymyxin E and monolayers of a cephalin preparation and with monolayers of the lipid material isolated from disrupted cells of Ps. denitrificans, a polymyxin-susceptible organism. Moderate complex formation also occurred between polymyxin E and monolayers of cardiolipin and the lipid material obtained from two Staphylococcal fractions, whilst lecithin monolayers were unreactive towards polymyxin E. The relationship of these results with the suggestion that polymyxin E causes a disorganisation of the cellular membrane of susceptible organisms is discussed. The antagonistic effects of several of the lipids upon the bactericidal action of polymyxin E has been ascribed to the formation of biologically inactive complexes in the bacterial suspension medium.
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