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GntP is the Escherichia coli Fructuronic acid transporter and belongs to the UxuR regulon.

Escherichia coli has four gluconate transporters, GntP, GntU, GntT, and IdnT, which are members of the major facilitator superfamily. The physiological function of GntP was previously unknown and is the subject of this study. GntP is not induced by gluconate, and despite being located adjacent to genes involved in glucuronate catabolism, gntP does not encode a glucuronate transporter. Here we identify gntP as the gene which encodes the fructuronate transporter. We show that gntP is induced by fructuronate and is a new member of the UxuR regulon: gntP is derepressed in an uxuR strain, UxuR binds in vitro specifically to an operator site that overlaps the gntP promoter, and UxuR binding is eliminated by fructuronate. Transcription of gntP requires activation by cyclic AMP (cAMP)-cAMP receptor protein. A gntP mutant cannot grow on fructuronate but grows normally on glucuronate and gluconate. Thus, the UxuR regulon is a module of sugar acid catabolism whose physiological role is for growth on fructuronate. Glucuronate, because it proceeds through a fructuronate intermediate, must induce the UxuR regulon and must also induce the ExuR regulon, which encodes the glucuronate transporter, ExuT, and the first step in its catabolism, UxaC. Thus, hexuronate catabolism in E. coli requires both the ExuR and UxuR regulons, while fructuronate catabolism requires only the UxuR regulon.

Binding Sites↗

Influence of carbon and nitrogen sources on growth, nitrogenase activity, and carbon metabolism of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus.

The effects of different carbon and nitrogen sources on the growth, nitrogenase activity, and carbon metabolism of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus were investigated. The amino acids asparagine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid affected microbial growth and nitrogenase activity. Several enzymatic activities involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle were affected by the carbon source used. In addition, glucose and gluconate significantly increased the oxygen consumption (respiration rate) of whole cells of G. diazotrophicus grown under aerobic conditions. Enzymes responsible for direct oxidation of glucose and gluconate were especially active in cells grown with sucrose and gluconate. The presence of amino acids in the apoplastic and symplastic sap of sugarcane stems suggests that these compounds might be of importance in the regulation of growth and nitrogenase activity during the symbiotic association. The information obtained from the plant-bacterium association together with the results of other biochemical studies could contribute to the development of biotechnological applications of G. diazotrophicus.

Carbon↗

T84 cells: anion selectivity demonstrates expression of Cl- conductance affected in cystic fibrosis.

The T84 cell line possesses an adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-activated Cl- conductance and expresses high levels of the cystic fibrosis (CF) gene product, implicating it as a good model for CF research. To evaluate whether T84 Cl- conductance properties are consistent with those described in CF target epithelial, we used transepithelial measurements (verified by selective permeabilization of the basal membrane) to determine the apparent anion selectivity properties of the apical and basolateral membranes of stimulated and unstimulated T84 cells. Unstimulated epithelial cells were almost electrically inert, having a low transepithelial voltage (Vt; -6 mV, apical surface negative), a small equivalent short-circuit current (Isc,(eq.) 2.2 microA/cm2), a very high transepithelial resistance (Rt; 2,500 omega.cm2), and poor anion permselectivity properties at both membrane surfaces (0.8 less than PX/PCl- less than 1.1), where X is NO3-, Br-, I-, or gluconate. When stimulated with forskolin (10(-6) M), Vt increased 8-fold, Isc(eq) increased 30-fold, Rt fell to one-third of unstimulated values, and the apical surface became highly anion selective, i.e., NO3- (1.4) greater than Br- (1.2) greater than Cl- (1.0) greater than I- (0.7) greater than gluconate (0.0), where numbers in parentheses are PX/PCl-. I- was less permeable than Cl- and probably directly inhibits the anion conductance, since Rt was substantially greater after I- substitution than after substitution with the impermeable anion gluconate. Bumetanide (10(-4) M) significantly attenuated the response of Vt to anion substitutions at the basal membrane surface, indicating that the effects of substitution were predominantly on the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransporter.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amiloride↗

Inhibition of cAMP- and Ca-dependent Cl- secretion by phorbol esters: inhibition of basolateral K+ channels.

Pretreating confluent T84 cells with the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) inhibits adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)- and carbachol-induced Cl secretion. Both a sustained short-circuit current (Isc), seen after the addition of 50 microM 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (CPT-cAMP) and 100 microM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), and a transient current, seen after the subsequent addition of 100 microM carbachol, are inhibited by 80% following pretreatment with 100 nM PMA for 2 h. Pretreatment with PMA has no effect on the level of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein or apical cAMP-dependent Cl conductance. Carbachol does not induce an increase in apical Cl conductance. Basolateral K conductance was measured in monolayers treated with apical nystatin and exposed to a K gradient. Agonist-independent K conductance is 10-fold greater in Cl media than in gluconate media. Pretreatment with PMA inhibits agonist-independent K conductance by 57% in Cl media but stimulates K conductance by 1.9-fold in gluconate media. The addition of carbachol induces a transient increase in basolateral K conductance, and pretreatment with PMA inhibits the agonist-dependent K conductance by 66% in Cl media and by 92% in gluconate media. In Cl media, serosal barium, at 3 mM, inhibits agonist-independent K conductance but has no significant effect on the carbachol-induced conductance. In nonpermeabilized monolayers, serosal barium inhibits the cAMP-dependent Isc by 56% but has no effect on the carbachol-induced Isc. These results demonstrate that the primary effect of PMA on Cl secretion is not inhibition of apical Cl channels but inhibition of basolateral K channels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Barium↗

A role for basolateral anion exchange in active jejunal absorption of HCO-3.

Isolated short-circuited segments of jejunum from Amphiuma absorbed HCO-3 at a rate determined by the anion composition of the bathing media. The rate of HCO-3 absorption (JHCO-3) measured by pH-stat was high when the major anion was Cl-, Br-, I-, or SO2-(4) but was lower when gluconate or benzene sulfonate (SO-3) was the anion. The disulfonic stilbenes SITS, DIDS, and DNDS at 1 mM reduced JHCO-3 and short-circuit current when added to the serosal bathing medium. Inhibition by SITS was comparable whether Cl-, Br-, or SO2-(4) was the major anion, and SITS produced a small inhibition of JHCO-3 in gluconate-based media and no effect in benzene SO3-based media. Under conditions in which tissue conductance was low SITS lowered tissue conductance further. In Cl- media SITS reduced short-circuit current consistent with inhibition of Cl- absorption as well as HCO-3 absorption. Inhibition of the Cl- current by DIDS was not reversed by washout, although the inhibition of JHCO-3 was reversed. The rate of HCO-3 absorption in gluconate media could be increased by serosal addition of Cl-, Br-, or I-. It is concluded that the process that results in net jejunal HCO-3 absorption entails anion-HCO-3 exchange at the basolateral membrane and is distinct from the basolateral Cl(-)-HCO-3 exchange process involved in Cl- absorption.

4-Acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfo↗

pH regulatory mechanisms in rat pancreatic ductal cells.

The mechanisms underlying regulation of intracellular pH (pHi) by rat pancreatic duct cells were studied by use of the pH-sensitive, fluorescent, cytoplasmically trapped dye 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). Cells exhibited a mean pHi of 7.18 +/- 0.14 in bicarbonate-buffered medium, as calculated from the BCECF fluorescence ratio. Removal of extracellular Na (Nao) caused an intracellular acidification that was rapidly reversed by Na replacement and occurred independently of Clo. Amiloride (10(-3) M) reversibly blocked Na-dependent recovery after Na-free-induced acidification. These results demonstrate the presence of a Na+-H+ exchange mechanism in pancreatic duct cells. Replacement of Clo with gluconate caused an intracellular alkalinization that was reversed by replacement of Cl. Application of the disulfonic stilbene derivatives, 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) and dihydro-DIDS (2 X 10(-4) M), resulted in block of both Cl-dependent recovery from Na-gluconate and the onset of alkalinization of transition from NaCl to Na-gluconate. Chloride-dependent alteration of pHi occurred independently of Nao. These results demonstrate the presence of an anion exchange mechanism consistent with Cl--HCO3- exchange. Thus pancreatic duct cells contain both Na+-H+ and Cl--HCO3- exchangers.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

Stimulation of Cl permeability in colonic crypts of Lieberkühn measured with a fluorescent indicator.

Crypts of Lieberkühn were isolated from rabbit distal colon and the halide-sensitive dye 6-methoxy-N-[3-sulfopropyl]quinolinium was used to monitor changes in cell Cl by fluorescence microscopy. Distal colon from rabbits actively secretes Cl and K when stimulated with prostaglandin (PG) E2 but secretes only K in response to epinephrine. The secretagogues PGE2 and epinephrine each produced transient decreases of the apparent cell Cl concentration in about one-half of the crypt cells. Permeability to Cl was assessed by brief substitutions with gluconate or Br in the bath. After stimulation of secretion by PGE2 or epinephrine, Cl efflux and Br influx were increased but only in the cells that exhibited the decrease in cell Cl at the onset of stimulation. Although Cl efflux during gluconate substitution was stimulated similarly with either PGE2 or epinephrine, epinephrine stimulation led to a lower apparent Cl concentration after 2 min of gluconate substitution. Together these results support the concept that a particular epithelial cell type in the crypts responds to secretagogues and that the Cl permeability pathways differ between the secretory states induced by PGE2 and epinephrine.

Animals↗

Sulfate transport by chick renal tubule brush-border and basolateral membranes.

Brush-border and basolateral membrane vesicles (BBMV and BLMV, respectively) were prepared from chick kidney by a calcium precipitation method and by centrifugation on an 8% Percoll self-generating gradient, respectively. In BBMV a 100-mM Na gluconate gradient, out greater than in, caused concentrative sulfate uptake approximately fivefold greater at 1 min than at 60 min (equilibrium) whether or not the membranes were short-circuited with 100 mM K gluconate, in = out, plus 20 micrograms valinomycin/mg protein. A 48-mM HCO3- gradient, in greater than out, stimulated a 2.5-fold higher uptake at 1 min than at 60 min, and short circuiting as above had no effect on the magnitude of this response. Imposition of a H+ gradient (pH 5.4 out vs. pH 7.4 in) caused concentrative uptake fourfold higher at 1 min than at equilibrium. Short circuiting as above or addition of 0.1 mM carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) significantly inhibited the pH gradient effect. Creation of an inside positive electrical potential with 100 mM K gluconate, out greater than in, plus valinomycin, also caused concentrative sulfate uptake. The K gradient in the absence of valinomycin had no effect on sulfate uptake (compared with isosmotic mannitol). Based on inhibitor/competitor effects, these are distinct sulfate transport processes. In chick BLMV, imposition of an HCO3- gradient, in greater than out, produced concentrative sulfate uptake; however, neither Na+ nor H+ gradients had significant effects at 15 s. 4-Acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene 2,2'-disulfonic acid disodium at 0.1 mM was an effective inhibitor of BLMV bicarbonate-sulfate exchange; however, neither Cl-, SCN-, nor CCCP inhibited.

Animals↗

Intracellular pH in frog skin: effects of Na+, volume, and cAMP.

Single skins were analyzed by 31P-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy during alternate perfusion with control and experimental solutions. Intracellular (pHc) and extracellular (pHo) pH were monitored by measuring the spectral frequencies of intracellular Pi and external methylphosphonate, respectively. Base-line pHc was 7.20 +/- 0.02 (SE) when pHo was 6.99 +/- 0.02. A 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (SITS)-inhibitable, HCO3--dependent alkaline shift in pHc can be elicited by replacing external Cl- by gluconate or sulfate. We now report that this effect is observed even in sodium-free media. The substitution of gluconate for external Cl- has also been reported to shrink cell volume. This shrinkage can be minimized by replacing Cl- with gluconate during perfusion with hypotonic, rather than isotonic, media. Conducted in this manner, the anionic substitution produces a much smaller alkaline shift in pHc. Replacement of external NaCl with N-methyl-D-glucamine chloride acidified the cells reversibly by 0.22 +/- 0.02. In the presence of the Na-H antiport blocker 5-(N-methyl-N-isobutyl)amiloride (MIA), restoration of external Na+ did not increase pHc. Separate addition of MIA acidified the cells by 0.18 +/- 0.03. Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) also alters pHc. Addition of 1 mM 8(4-chlorophenylthio)cAMP or 100 mU/ml vasopressin acidified the cells by 0.22 +/- 0.03 and by 0.14 +/- 0.04, respectively. The data suggest that frog skin regulates pHc by the parallel operation of Na-H and Na+-independent Cl-HCO3 antiports. Cell volume and cAMP may play regulating roles in this epithelium.

Algorithms↗

Apical membrane of native OMCD(i) cells has nonselective cation channels.

The purpose of this study was to examine cation channel activity in the apical membrane of the outer medullary collecting duct of the inner stripe (OMCD(i)) using the patch-clamp technique. In freshly isolated and lumen-opened rabbit OMCD(i), we have observed a single channel conductance of 23.3 +/- 0.6 pS (n = 17) in cell-attached (c/a) patches with high KCl in the bath and in the pipette at room temperature. Channel open probability varied among patches from 0.06 +/- 0.01 at -60 mV (n = 5) to 0.31 +/- 0.04 at 60 mV (n = 6) and consistently increased upon membrane depolarization. In inside-out (i/o) patches with symmetrical KCl solutions, the channel conductance (22.8 +/- 0.8 pS; n = 10) was similar as in the c/a configuration. Substitution of the majority of Cl- with gluconate from KCl solution in the pipette and bath did not significantly alter reversal potential (E(rev)) or the channel conductance (19.7 +/- 1.1 pS in asymmetrical potassium gluconate, n = 4; 21.4 +/- 0.5 pS in symmetrical potassium gluconate, n = 3). Experiments with 10-fold lower KCl concentration in bath solution in i/o patches shifted E(rev) to near the E(rev) of K+. The estimated permeability of K+ vs. Cl- was over 10, and the conductance was 13.4 +/- 0.1 pS (n = 3). The channel did not discriminate between K+ and Na+, as evidenced by a lack of a shift in the E(rev) with different K+ and Na+ concentration solutions in i/o patches (n = 3). The current studies demonstrate the presence of cation channels in the apical membrane of native OMCD(i) cells that could participate in K+ secretion or Na+ absorption.

Animals↗

Characterization of a hyperpolarization-activated inward current in Cajal-Retzius cells in rat neonatal neocortex.

Cajal-Retzius cells are among the first neurons appearing during corticogenesis and play an important role in the establishment of cortical lamination. To characterize the hyperpolarization-activated inward current (I(h)) and to investigate whether I(h) contributes to the relatively positive resting membrane potential (RMP) of these cells, we analyzed the properties of I(h) in visually identified Cajal-Retzius cells in cortical slices from neonatal rats using the whole cell patch-clamp technique. Membrane hyperpolarization to -90 mV activated a prominent inward current that was inhibited by 1 mM Cs(+) and was insensitive to 1 mM Ba(2+). The activation time constant for I(h) was strongly voltage dependent. In Na(+)-free solution, I(h) was reduced, indicating a contribution of Na(+). An analysis of the tail currents revealed a reversal potential of -45.2 mV, corresponding to a permeability coefficient (pNa(+)/pK(+)) of 0. 13. While an increase in the extracellular K(+) concentration ([K(+)](e)) enhances I(h), it was reduced by a [K(+)](e) decrease. This [K(+)](e) dependence could not be explained by an effect on the electromotive force on K(+) but suggested an additional extracellular binding site for K(+) with an apparent dissociation constant of 7.2 mM. Complete Cl(-) substitution by Br(-), I(-), or NO(3)(-) had no significant effect on I(h), whereas a complete Cl(-) substitution by the organic compounds methylsulfate, isethionate, or gluconate reduced I(h) by approximately 40%. The I(h) reduction observed in gluconate could be abolished by the addition of Cl(-). The analysis of the [Cl(-)](e) dependence of I(h) revealed a dissociation constant of 9.8 mM and a Hill-coefficient of 2.5, while the assumption of a gluconate-dependent I(h) reduction required an unreasonably high Hill-coefficient >20. An internal perfusion with the lidocaine derivative lidocaine N-ethyl bromide blocks I(h) within 1 min after establishment of the whole cell configuration. An inhibition of I(h) by 1 mM Cs(+) was without an effect on RMP, action potential amplitude, threshold, width, or afterhyperpolarization. We conclude from these results that Cajal-Retzius cells express a prominent I(h) with characteristic properties that does not contribute to the RMP.

Animals↗

Inhibition of cultivable bacteria by chlorhexidine treatment of dentin lesions treated with the ART technique.

The aim of this study was to examine the changes in the cultivable microflora of carious dentin before and after atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) and investigate the inhibitory effect of chlorhexidine-gluconate-based cavity disinfectant in the microflora. Using a split mouth design, 35 primary molar pairs with class II carious lesions in 35 patients (mean age 7.31+/-0.47 years) were selected. The total viable counts (TVC), Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli were first measured in the center of the infected demineralized lesion and then from the hard dentine after caries removal by the ART technique. Chlorhexidine-gluconate (2%)-based cavity disinfectant was applied to one of the molar pairs and the other molar received no disinfectant treatment. Thereafter, all of the teeth were restored with glass ionomer cement (GIC). Cavities were reassessed after 6 months and again dentine samples were microbiologically investigated. Removal of carious dentine by ART significantly reduced TVC, S. mutans and lactobacilli. After 6 months, application of chlorhexidine exhibited a greater significant reduction in TVC (p=0.013), and a significant reduction in S. mutans compared to the nondisinfected group (p<0.001). A significant reduction in lactobacilli counts was observed in both groups after 6 months, but the difference between the disinfected and nondisinfected groups was not significant (p=0.056). ART was found to be effective in reducing the cultivable microflora and chlorhexidine-gluconate-based cavity disinfectant might serve as a suitable additional agent in inhibiting the residual bacteria in the dentine.

Analysis of Variance↗

Influence of Cl- on organic anion transport in short-term cultured rat hepatocytes and isolated perfused rat liver.

Transport of 35S-labeled sulfobromophthalein [35S]BSP was studied in short-term cultured rat hepatocytes incubated in bovine serum albumin. At 37 degrees C, initial uptake of [35S]BSP was 5-10-fold that at 4 degrees C, linear for at least 15 min, saturable, inhibited by bilirubin, and reduced by greater than 70% after ATP depletion or isosmotic substitution of sucrose for NaCl in medium. Replacement of Na+ by K+ or Li+ did not alter uptake, whereas replacement of Cl- by HCO-3 or gluconate- reduced uptake by approximately 40%. Substitution of Cl- by the more permeant NO-3 enhanced initial BSP uptake by 30%. Efflux of [35S]BSP from cells to media was inhibited by 40% after ATP depletion or sucrose substitution. To confirm these results in a more physiologic system, transport of [3H]bilirubin was studied in isolated livers perfused with control medium or medium in which Cl- was replaced by gluconate-. Perfusion data analyzed by the model of Goresky, revealed 40-50% reductions in influx and efflux with gluconate- substitution. These results are consistent with existence of a Cl-/organic anion-exchange mechanism similar to that described by others in renal tubules.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Effects of ion transport inhibition on rat mandibular gland secretion.

The effects of substituting gluconate for extracellular Cl, and of treatment with various ion transport blockers, on cytosol pH (pHi) and secretion by the acetylcholine stimulated rat mandibular gland were studied in vitro. Gluconate replacement increased pHi from 7.12 +/- 0.02 to 7.27 +/- 0.04, caused secretory rate to fall by 75%, and increased salivary HCO3 from 14 +/- 0.9 mmol/L to 67 +/- 1.5 mmol/L. Furosemide (1 mmol/L), which blocks Na-K-2Cl symports and Cl-HCO3 antiports, had effects similar to those of gluconate replacement, except that secretion was reduced only by 59%. Bumetanide (1 mmol/L), which blocks only Na-K-2Cl symports, caused a 67% reduction in secretion rate, but it had little effect on pHi and caused only a small rise in salivary HCO3 concentration. SITS (1 mmol/L), which blocks Cl-HCO3 antiports, increased pHi to 7.26 +/- 0.03 and induced a small rise in the secretory rate. Methazolamide and acetazolamide (1 mmol/L), both of which inhibit carbonic anhydrase and may also block anion channels, increased pHi to 7.43 +/- 0.02 and 7.20 +/- 0.03, respectively, but had no effect on secretory rate, and reduced salivary HCO3 slightly. Ba (3 mmol/L), tetraethylammonium (10 mmol/L), and decamethonium (5 mmol/L) all caused marked but reversible reductions in secretory rate, consistent with the known actions of these agents on K channels. Ba, however, also appeared to act as a Ca antagonist, an action that it seemed to share with Mn ions (5 mmol/L).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetylcholine↗

Update on parenteral iron therapy.

The role of parenteral iron therapy has been expanding with the growing use of erythropoietin therapy. Much of the clinical experience regarding the use of IV iron therapy in combination with erythropoietin therapy is based on the hemodialysis patient, but the combination therapy has been used in other patient populations as well. In addition, parenteral iron may be indicated in patients receiving long-term parenteral nutrition and in other clinical situations of iron deficiency when the absorption of iron is impaired or tolerance limited. Once the indication for parenteral iron therapy is established, a selection of the most appropriate agent is required. There are currently 3 parenteral iron preparations available, including iron dextran, sodium ferric gluconate, and iron sucrose. Although all agents have been shown to be effective in correcting iron deficiency, there are differences that exist between them. Both sodium ferric gluconate and iron sucrose have been associated with lower rates of serious adverse reactions than iron dextran, although comparative studies are lacking. In patients with previously documented intolerance to iron dextran, sodium ferric gluconate and iron sucrose have been safely administered. In addition to the immediate and delayed reactions associated with the use of parenteral iron, the risk of iron overload and the potential increased risk of infection are of concern. This article will review the clinical experience of the 3 parenteral iron preparations, discuss safety issues, and provide guidelines on proper dosing and administration.

Journal Article↗

Contribution of the raw material to the aluminum contamination in parenterals.

BACKGROUND: The extent of aluminum contamination in parenteral nutrition solutions was measured in 35 different commercial products, including amino acids, electrolytes, glucose, lipids, vitamins trace elements, and albumin. The extent of aluminum contamination in substances used as raw material for preparation of parenterals was also measured. Chemicals from different manufacturers and of different quality grades were analyzed individually. METHODS: The measurements were done by atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: The results showed that the same product might have different aluminum content depending on the manufacturer, either for commercial formulations or substances. The highest contaminated chemicals included cystine, NaOH, vitamin C, biotin, gluconate, and Fe and Cr salts. The lowest contaminated chemicals included lipids, apolar amino acids, glucose, HCI, acetic acid, KCl, NaCl, and heparin. Among commercial products, the major contamination rates appeared in calcium gluconate, followed by trace elements, some vitamins, bicarbonate, phosphates salts, and heparin. CONCLUSIONS: Comparing the aluminum in commercial products and substances, it can be concluded that the contamination may occur in parenterals because aluminum is present naturally in the chemicals. However, when the composition and concentration of the parenteral solution are considered, the contamination of calcium gluconate, trace elements, some vitamins, phosphates, bicarbonate, and heparin cannot be related only to the raw substances. The aluminum level present in these commercial formulations is too high to come only from the substances; therefore, it is possible that one of the steps of the manufacturing procedure is responsible for elevating the contamination of these products.

Albumins↗

Contaminated rabbit patellar tendon grafts. In vivo analysis of disinfecting methods.

In Part 1 of our study, 40 central-third bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts were harvested from 20 adult California White rabbits under strict sterile conditions. Ten grafts were placed directly into a thioglycolate broth, incubated, and subcultured; no growth was noted in any specimen. The next 6 grafts were contaminated 20 seconds each with 2 different species of coagulase-negative staphylococci. Organisms were grown with cultures obtained from an operating room floor during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Marked growth of both species was noted in all 6 grafts within 24 hours. A subsequent 3 series of 8 grafts each were harvested sterilely, contaminated as described above, and soaked in 1 of 3 solutions 30 minutes before culture. Both 10% povidone-iodine and a triple-antibiotic solution (gentamicin, clindamycin, polymyxin) were 100% ineffective as both organisms grew; 4% chlorhexidine gluconate effectively decontaminated 8 grafts in all cases. Part 2 involved contamination of harvested grafts with 5 common, virulent organisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecalis. Elimination of all except Klebsiella pneumoniae was successful with 4% chlorhexidine gluconate alone for 8 grafts. Using a triple-antibiotic solution after chlorhexidine gluconate in 6 grafts eliminated this organism also.

Animals↗

Insufficient neutralization in testing a chlorhexidine-containing ethanol-based hand rub can result in a false positive efficacy assessment.

BACKGROUND: Effective neutralization in testing hand hygiene preparations is considered to be a crucial element to ensure validity of the test results, especially with the difficulty to neutralize chlorhexidine gluconate. Aim of the study was to measure the effect of chemical neutralization under practical test conditions according to EN 1500. METHODS: We have investigated two ethanol-based hand rubs (product A, based on 61% ethanol and 1% chlorhexidine gluconate; product B, based on 85% ethanol). The efficacy of products (application of 3 ml for 30 s) was compared to 2-propanol 60% (v/v) (two 3 ml rubs of 30 s each) on hands artificially contaminated with Escherichia coli using a cross-over design with 15 volunteers. Pre-values were obtained by rubbing fingertips for 1 minute in liquid broth. Post-values were determined by sampling immediately after disinfection in liquid broth with and without neutralizers (0.5% lecithin, 4% polysorbate 20). RESULTS: The neutralizers were found to be effective and non-toxic. Without neutralization in the sampling fluid, the reference disinfection reduced the test bacteria by 3.7 log10, product B by 3.3 log10 and product A by 4.8 log10 (P = 0.001; ANOVA). With neutralization the reference disinfection reduced the test bacteria by 3.5 log10, product B by 3.3 log10 and product A by 2.7 log10 (P = 0.011; ANOVA). In comparison to the reference treatment Product B lead to a lower mean reduction than the reference disinfection but the difference was not significant (P > 0.1; Wilcoxon-Wilcox test). Without neutralizing agents in the sampling fluid, product A yielded a significantly higher reduction of test bacteria (4.8; P = 0.02) as compared to the situation with neutralizing agents (2.7; P = 0.033). CONCLUSION: The crucial step of neutralization lies in the sampling fluid itself in order to stop any residual bacteriostatic or bactericidal activity immediately after the application of the preparation, especially with chlorhexidine gluconate-containing preparations. This is particularly important at short application times such as the 30 s.

Chlorhexidine↗