COMPLEX FORMATION BETWEEN BASIC ANTIBIOTICS AND DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID IN HUMAN PULMONARY SECRETIONS

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Abstract
1. Complex formation and precipitation of DNA by neomycin, with consequent inactivation of the antibiotic, has been shown to occur in the pulmonary secretions of patients with cystic fibrosis. 2. Highly polymerized DNA from a variety of sources, as well as two samples of RNA, were precipitated by neomycin in vitro. Polymixin, kanamycin, colymycin, and streptomycin similarly co-precipitate with DNA in vitro. 3. The minimum chain length of polynucleotide required for precipitation in the DNA-neomycin system was 10. 4. The complex is readily attacked by DNase I resulting in the splitting of the DNA and the liberation of the antibiotic. Both components of the complex are solubilized in M sodium chloride. 5. The resistance of purulent foci of infection to therapy with basic antimicrobial agents may, in part, be due to the complex formation with the high levels of DNA found at the site of infection.

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