REVIEW OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY

MEDICAL MYCOLOGY

1. the initiation of cell division
2. blocking of protein synthesis
3. accumulation of intracellular K+
4. loss of mitochondria
5. loss of intracellular K+

(E) The cytoplasmic membrane of fungi contains ergosterol and other sterols as its integral component. When polyene antibiotics, which have a high affinity to sterols, bind to membrane sterols, the membrane loses its normal permeability control. This loss results in the leakage of intracellular components. Because of its relatively small size and high concentration in the cytoplasm, K+ is the first component that leaks out of the cell when the cytoplasmic membrane is damaged by polyene antibiotics. Polyene antibiotics do not cause other events immediately or at all. (Joklik et al, pp. 164-166,1088-1089; Ryan et al, pp. 582-583)

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