Propyl paraben induces potassium efflux in Escherichia coli

Objectives: Parabens are currently used as antibacterial preservatives in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food products but there are no precise data concerning their activity on bacterial membranes. Methods: We analysed the cytoplasmic potassium release during propyl paraben addition by using a select...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy 2005-06, Vol.55 (6), p.1013-1015
Main Authors: Bredin, Jérôme, Davin-Régli, Anne, Pagès, Jean-Marie
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology
Antibiotics. Antiinfectious agents. Antiparasitic agents
Biological and medical sciences
Escherichia coli - drug effects
Escherichia coli - metabolism
Medical sciences
membrane channels
outer membrane proteins
Parabens - pharmacology
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
pore forming molecules
porins
Porins - physiology
Potassium - metabolism
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Summary:Objectives: Parabens are currently used as antibacterial preservatives in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food products but there are no precise data concerning their activity on bacterial membranes. Methods: We analysed the cytoplasmic potassium release during propyl paraben addition by using a selective electrode. Various conditions were assayed to investigate the bacterial paraben susceptibility. We compared the activity of propyl paraben with the activities of colicin A and polymyxin B. Results: Propyl paraben induced potassium efflux that was related to the porin expression in the bacterial outer membrane. In addition, the presence of spermine, previously described as an efficient OmpF channel-blocker, protected susceptible cells against paraben activity. Conclusions: Propyl paraben induced potassium release in susceptible Escherichia coli cells similar to that observed with polymyxin B. Moreover, this efflux depended on porin channel activity. This permeabilizing effect is probably related to antibacterial properties of paraben molecules.
ISSN:0305-7453
1460-2091
DOI:10.1093/jac/dki110