CHANGES IN THE PHOSPHATE CONTENT OF MYCOBACTERIA PRODUCED BY ISONIAZID AND ETHAMBUTOL

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Abstract
Summary: Mycobacteria cultures of different ages showed a reduction in the content of an acid‐labile phosphorus‐containing fraction (tentatively identified as inorganic polyphosphate) in the presence of isonicotinic acid hydrazide (isoniazid) and ethambutol. This change occured without an increase in the dry weight of the cultures and it is suggested, therefore, that a degradative process rather than a blocked synthesis is involved. Further experiments suggest that this effect is secondary to the initial action of both isoniazid and ethambutol. Other recent reports of the effects of isoniazid on cell composition are reviewed.