Release of phosphorus-32-containing compounds from Micrococcus lysodeikticus treated with chlorhexidine

Abstract

Abstract Chlorhexidine has been shown to cause the release of cellular constituents from phosphorus-32 labelled cells of Micrococcus lysodeikticus suspended in distilled water or in phosphate buffer. An initial rapid release is followed by a slower secondary release. This secondary release is inhibited by high concentrations of chlorhexidine. The release depends on the chlorhexidine to cell ratio and not on the absolute bactericide concentration.