Open AccessElectromagnetic irradiation of E nterococcus hirae at low‐intensity 51.8‐ and 53.0‐ GH z frequencies: changes in bacterial cell membrane properties and enhanced antibiotics effects
Author(s) -
Torgomyan Heghine,
Ohanyan Vahe,
Blbulyan Syuzanna,
Kalantaryan Vitaly,
Trchounian Armen
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2012.02512.x
Subject(s) - enterococcus hirae , kanamycin , efflux , chemistry , biophysics , membrane , membrane potential , atpase , biochemistry , antibiotics , biology , enterococcus , enzyme
Exposure to electromagnetic irradiation ( EMI ) of 51.8 and 53.0 GH z and low intensity (flux capacity of 0.06 mW cm −2 ) for 1 h markedly decreased the energy‐dependent H + and K + transport across membranes of E nterococcus hirae ATCC 9790. After EMI , there was also a significant decrease of overall and N , N ′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide ( DCCD )‐sensitive ATP ase activity of the membrane vesicles. These measures were considerably lower at 53.0 GH z. EMI in combination with different antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone and kanamycin at their minimal inhibitory concentrations (100 and 200 μ M , respectively), enhanced bacterial cell growth and altered their membrane transport properties. Total H + efflux was most sensitive to ceftriaxone but DCCD ‐inhibited H + efflux and total K + influx were sensitive to kanamycin. The results indicate that cell membrane proteins could be a target in the action of EMI and enhanced antibacterial effects in combination with antibiotics. The DCCD ‐sensitive F 0 F 1 ‐ ATP ase or this ATP ase in combination with K + uptake protein probably plays a key role in these effects.