The Antagonism of The Antibacterial Action of Mercury Compounds

Abstract

The stoichiometric relations between mercuric chloride and the sulphydryl antagonists have been examined. In liquid cultures, cysteine, glutathione, dimercaprol and thioglycollate are effective as inactivators of mercuric chloride in quantities close to the theoretical amounts. When used to revive mercuric chloride-treated cells, larger amounts are needed, and horse serum is ineffective. The results obtained with E. coli I suggest it is not so resistant to the action of mercuric chloride over long periods as are Gram-positive organisms. Cells treated with mercuric chloride in the presence of a nutrient medium derive some protection from the constituents of the medium. Qualitative experiments show dimercaprol to be the most efficient antagonist and thioglycollate the least.