Phenylmercuric Borate Research Articles

Action of Some Organomercury Compounds on Photosynthesis in Spinach Chloroplasts

Abstract The effects of five organomercury compounds (methylmercuric chloride, phenylmercuric acetate, phenylmercuric borate, phenylmercuric citrate and diphenylmercury) on photosynthetic electron transport (PET) in spinach chloroplasts were investigated. The IC50 values of organomercury compounds related to PET inhibition in spinach chloroplasts varied in the range from 468 mmol dm-3 to 942 mmol dm-3 and were approximately by one order higher than the corresponding value determined for HgCl2 applied also in DMSO solution (IC50 = 58 mmol dm-3). Due to extremely low aqueous solubility of diphenylmercury, the corresponding IC50 value could not be determined. Using EPR spectroscopy as probable sites of action of organomercury compounds in photosynthetic apparatus ferredoxin on the acceptor side of PS 1 and the quinone electron acceptors QA or QB on the reducing side of PS 2 were suggested.

The Effect of Some Preservatives Used in Nasal Preparations on the Mucus and Ciliary Components of Mucociliary Clearance

Efficient mucociliary clearance is a function of the physical properties of the mucus coupled to appropriately functioning cilia and may be altered by substances affecting ciliary beat frequency (CBF). Therefore the effect of preservatives on CBF was investigated using a photoelectronic technique. Methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, propyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, chlorbutol and chlorocresol inhibited beat frequency, an effect which was reversible upon rinsing out the first three compounds but not chlorocresol. The effect of chlorhexidine and phenylmercuric borate on CBF was complicated by an interaction with chloride ions in the media used. EDTA did not appear to be ciliotoxic, while the effect of benzalkonium chloride was variable. Thiomersal halted ciliary beating after 40-100 min. Mucociliary clearance may also be affected by an alteration of the physical properties of the mucus layer, therefore the effect of each compound on the rheological properties of purified pig gastric mucus glycoprotein was investigated. None of the preservatives significantly altered the viscoelastic properties of the gel, measured using dynamic techniques.

The Effect of Some Preservatives Used in Nasal Preparations on Mucociliary Clearance

The effect of methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, propyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, chlorbutol, chlorocresol, EDTA, benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine, phenylmercuric nitrate and phenylmercuric borate on mucociliary transport rate of the frog palate has been examined. Following a variable number of applications all these preservatives halted transport, the first three reversibly. However, applications of thiomersal (0.01%) were well tolerated. The frog palate possesses a ciliated epithelium protected by mucus, since some of our findings are at variance with those previously reported results where the protective effect of mucus was negligible in the in-vitro model (usually trachea) employed, it would appear that the contribution of mucus to effective mucociliary clearance should not be underestimated.

Assay of urease activity in soil columns

A method for determining urease activity in soil columns is described. It is based on a systematic study of factors affecting the release of ammonium when soil columns are perfused with a buffered urea solution (containing KCl to release NH 4 +) under steady-state conditions at a low flow velocity. Effluent emerging from the column is quickly mixed with a urease inhibitor (phenylmercuric borate) and the ammonium produced is determined by steam distillation. The reproducibility of the method is reported. In addition, kinetic constants for urease (calculated from the integrated form of the Michaelis-Menten equation) in column and batch (static and shaken assays) type reactions are compared.

Antimicrobial activity of seven metallic compounds against penicillinase producing and non-penicillinase producing strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

The in vitro activity of seven metallic compounds was tested against penicillinase (beta lactamase) producing strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) and non-PPNG strains. On a weight basis, the mercurials showed the greatest in vitro activity. Phenylmercuric borate, thiomersal, and mercuric chloride inhibited 90% of all strains at concentrations of 5 mg/l, 5 mg/l, and 20 mg/l respectively. Silver nitrate inhibited 90% of the strains at 80 mg/l and the MIC90 for mild silver protein was 200 mg/l. Copper and selenium salts had lower in vitro activities, inhibiting 90% of all the strains at 320 mg/l and 640 mg/l respectively. Silver nitrate and the six other compounds tested showed equal activities against PPNG and non-PPNG strains. This finding supports the recommendation for prophylaxis of gonococcal conjunctivitis of the newborn with 1% silver nitrate eye drops.

Conserveermiddelen en oogdruppelverpakking

Of the common eye drop preservatives benzalkonium chloride, phenylmercuric borate, chlorhexidine digluconate and phenylethanol, sorption losses were determined which occurred at contact with rubber or plastics of commercially available eye drop bottles. Of all tested materials only chlorbutyl rubber and polypropylene did not sorb detectable amounts of the preservatives.

Sorptie van conserveermiddelen door membraanfilters bij de bereiding van oogdruppels

Sorption of preservatives by cellulose nitrate and cellulose acetate membrane filters was reviewed from literature and determined experimentally. Benzalkonium chloride was sorbed in a higher amount by the rather hydrophilic cellulose nitrate than by the less hydrophilic cellulose acetate. Phenylmercuric borate however, was sorbed in a certain amount by cellulose acetate but hardly by cellulose nitrate. We could not detect any sorption of chlorhexidine digluconate.

Studies on the mode of action phenylmercuric borate onEscherichia coli

Studies on the mode of action phenylmercuric borate onEscherichia coli

Sensibilisations cutanées allergiques peu communes

Eight cases are described: four of contact dermatitis caused by nickel in children, one in a young boy caused by hexavalent chromium, and three cases in children also caused by phenyl mercuric borate. In addition, one case of contact sensitization in a mother and her child to <i>p</i>-hydroxybenzoic acid esters (paraben) and one case of immediate-type reaction to application of a patch test with ammonium persulfate are described.

Sterility testing: detection of fungi and yeasts in the presence of preservatives

Thirty-four strains of fungi and yeasts were studied for growth in six media in the presence of Merthiolate. All strains were killed in a 1:500,000 dilution; 1:5,000,000 was the maximum concentration that permitted recovery of all strains in Fluid Thioglycollate Medium (FTM). Fluid Sabouraud Medium (FSM) containing either sodium thioglycollate or sodium hydrosulphite was almost as effective. FTM with sodium hydrosulphite substituted for sodium thioglycollate and Bonnel-Raby medium were inferior to FTM, also to FSM. Rate of initiation of growth was reduced in the low concentration of 1:7,000,000 with maximum recovery at 21 days, whereas maximum recovery occurred in 7–10 days in the six control media which were similar in promoting growth. Phenylmercuric borate, phenol, benzethonium chloride and parabens were also fungicidal. Results are discussed relative to the discontinued use of FSM in the United States in official sterility testing and for the use of FTM in the test of mercurial-preserved biologies incubated at 20–25 °C.

Pituitary gland ablation by 90yttrium implantation for advancing diabetic retinopathy. A further report.

The in vitro activity of seven metallic compounds was tested against penicillinase (beta lactamase) producing strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) and non-PPNG strains. On a weight basis, the mercurials showed the greatest in vitro activity. Phenylmercuric borate, thiomersal, and mercuric chloride inhibited 90% of all strains at concentrations of 5 mg/l, 5 mg/l, and 20 mg/l respectively. Silver nitrate inhibited 90% of the strains at 80 mg/l and the MIC90 for mild silver protein was 200 mg/l. Copper and selenium salts had lower in vitro activities, inhibiting 90% of all the strains at 320 mg/l and 640 mg/l respectively. Silver nitrate and the six other compounds tested showed equal activities against PPNG and non-PPNG strains. This finding supports the recommendation for prophylaxis of gonococcal conjunctivitis of the newborn with 1% silver nitrate eye drops.

Automated Method for the Determination of Serum Creatine Kinase Activity

Abstract An automated (AutoAnalyzer) method for the colorimetric determination of creatine kinase activity in serum is described. This method includes reactivation of creatine kinase with cysteine, incubation of the active enzyme with creatine phosphate and adenosine diphosphate at 37.5°, and subsequent inactivation of enzyme and binding of cysteine by phenylmercuric borate. The enzymatically produced creatine is dialyzed against a solution of diacetyl and reacted with α-naphthol in an alkaline solution. The absorbance of the colored end product is measured at 550 mµ. Individual blanks are determined in the absence of adenosine diphosphate. Comparison of results obtained by this method and a manual procedure shows satisfactory agreement.

Comparative efficacy of bactericidal compounds in buffer solutions. Part II.

Abstract A number of phenols, aromatic alcohols, organic mercury compounds andquaternary ammoniumcompounds have beenexamined, by the membrane filter method, to assess their antibacterial action at four different pH values against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. The killing rate of the compounds tested varied with the pH. The phenols, in the undissociated state, and the aromatic alcohols were most effective against Gram-negative cells at a slightly alkaline pH, and least effective at a pH of 5.5 to 7, whereas against Gram-positive cells, the compounds were least bactericidal at a pH of 7 to 8.5 Upon Gram-positive as well as Gram-negative cells, phenylmercuric borate was more potent in alkaline solution, thiomersal, in acid solution. This difference is connected with the opposite charges of the active ions. A reduction in bactericidal activity was noted in acid solutions of domiphen bromide and cetyl pyridinium chloride although the activity of the latter was less influenced by pH. The importance of the partition ratio between water and a lipid phase for the bactericidal efficacy of phenols and aromatic alcohols is stressed, and a new approach to the testing of these compounds is proposed. 4-Chloro- 8- phenylethyl alcohol yielded promising results as a new bactericidal agent. Pseudomonas pyocyanea was more rapidly killed by the compounds tested than Escherichia coli.

The Preservation of Aqueous Preparations Containing Nonionic Surfactants II. : Preservative Studies in Solutions and Products Containing Nonionic Surfactants

Forty-eight substances and combinations were studied for their possible effectiveness as preservatives for solutions of nonionic surfactants of the sorbitan partial fatty acid ester and polyoxyethylene ester types. Results indicated that sorbic acid (0.2 per cent w/v); phenylmercuric borate (0.007 per cent w/v); phenylmercuric nitrate (0.01 per cent w/v); phenylmercuric acetate (0.007 per cent w/v); n -trichloromethylmercapto-4-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboximide (Vancide® 89 RE, 0.04 per cent w/v); diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (methyl Carbitol, 3 per cent w/v); hexylene glycol (3 per cent w/v); and benzalkonium chloride (0.1 per cent w/v) are effective in preserving these solutions. The failure of various phenolic preservatives to preserve these surfactant solutions is attributed to complex formation between phenolic and polyether groups. Studies on various cosmetic formulations containing nonionic surfactants indicate that sorbic acid (0.2 per cent w/w) and combinations of sorbic acid and hexylene glycol are effective preservatives. These preservatives were also found effective in products containing sorbitol as well as nonionic surfactants.

Neurological complications following the use of efocaine; report of three cases.

Efocaine, a long-acting local anesthetic, a product of E. Fougera & Co., has been publicized widely and is being used freely by the medical profession. Efocaine is a solution containing 1% procaine, 0.25% procaine hydrochloride, and 5% butyl-p-aminobenzoate in a solvent composed of 2% polyethylene glycol-300, 78% propylene glycol, and water. It is preserved with the usual preservatives, 0.1% sodium metabisulfite, and phenylmercuric borate (1:25,000). Bonica1has recently reported his experience with the use of efocaine in 100 patients. In six of these patients, postinjection neuritis and pain were encountered. He does not give details as to the seriousness or duration of disability in these patients. We have recently encountered three cases in which serious neurological residuals have resulted from the use of efocaine. The purpose of this report is to urge caution in the use of this drug. REPORT OF CASES Case 1.—On Sept. 9, 1952,

Certain Bacteriostatic Agents Added to Sera Used in Diagnostic Tests for Neurotropic Virus Infections.

Summary and Conclusions1. Zephiran and merthiolate 1:10,000 and sodium sulfathiazole 1:500 in normal rabbit serum had no virucidal effect upon Western equine and St. Louis encephalitis viruses as determined through serial virus dilutions under the holding conditions and dilution of a standard neutralization test.2. Mercuric cyanide 1:10,000 and phenyl mercuric borate 1:50,000 in serum under closely comparable conditions did not affect either of the above viruses or the Lansing mouse-adapted poliomyelitis virus.3. Phenyl mercuric borate 1:50,000 has been used over a period of one year in over 1,000 serum specimens which have been subjected to diagnostic tests. There has been no apparent interference. Many of these sera have been used repeatedly in neutralization tests against several neurotropic viruses and in experimental in vitro tests including mumps complement fixation tests. This agent has greatly reduced difficulties previously encountered due to contamination of sera during collection and routine ha...