Clavulanic acid inhibition of .BETA.-lactamase I from Bacillus cereus 569/H.

Abstract
Inactivation of .beta.-lactamase I by clavulanic acid was investigated. Clavulanic acid induced inhibition of the enzyme was progressive with time. Benzylpenicillin provided protection against the adverse effects of the inhibitor initially, but the enzyme was irreversibly inhibited in a progressive manner even in the presence of substrate. Reaction of .beta.-lactamase I with clavulanic acid, in the presence of ampicillin, led to a very rapid inactivation of the enzyme.