Abstract

Derivatives of 4-(1-adamantyl)-phenol are a promising class of antimicrobials affecting the structural integrity and functions of the bacterial cell membrane. The functioning of Pseudomonas aeruginosa respiratory chain and related system of oxidative phosphorylation was investigated before and after treatment with a derivative of 4-(1-adamantyl)-phenol (compound KVM-97). Oxygen consumption was measured polarographically with a Clark-type oxygen electrode. KVM-97 was tested at 0.5× and 1.0× MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration). Specific substrates of the respiratory chain (either 3.0 mM glutamate with 2.0 mM malonate or 3.0 mM succinate with 5.0 μM rotenone) were used. All reactions were stimulated by addition of ADP (0.2 mmol). It was found that at tested concentrations, KVM-97 inhibited the endogenous respiration and substrate oxidation in P. aeruginosa cells. The inhibiting effect was dose-dependent and more pronounced with succinate oxidation rather than glutamate oxidation. The respiratory control index value (RCI) in compound-treated cells was in average 1.5 times lower compared to the intact cells. The decrease in the RCI was related to changing the oxygen uptake rates in state 3 and state 4, which indicate the uncoupling of respiration and oxidative phosphorylation. The data obtained showed that 4-(1-adamantyl)-phenol derivative inhibits oxygen consumption and has uncoupling effects in P. aeruginosa cells.

Keywords: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, adamantane derivative, antibacterial agents, respiration