Bafilomycin A1 inhibits Helicobacter pylori-induced vacuolization of HeLa cells

• Published in: Molecular microbiology Vol. 7; no. 2; p. 323
• Main Authors: Papini, E, Bugnoli, M, De Bernard, M, Figura, N, Rappuoli, R, Montecucco, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.01.1993
• Subjects: Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology; HeLa Cells - drug effects; HeLa Cells - microbiology; HeLa Cells - ultrastructure; Helicobacter pylori - pathogenicity; Helicobacter pylori - physiology; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Intracellular Fluid - chemistry; Macrolides; Proton Pumps - drug effects; Proton-Translocating ATPases - antagonists & inhibitors; Vacuoles - enzymology; Virulence
• ISSN: 0950-382X
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.1993.tb01123.x

Bafilomycin A1, a specific inhibitor of the vacuolar-type H(+)-ATPase, responsible for acidification of intracellular compartments, prevents the vacuolization of Hela cells induced by H. pylori, with an inhibitory concentration giving 50% of maximal (ID50) of 4 nM. Bafilomycin A1 is also very efficient in restoring vacuolated cells to a normal appearance. The vacuolating activity of Helicobacter pylori is not inhibited by a series of specific inhibitors of vacuolar H(+)-ATPases. These findings indicate that a transmembrane pH gradient is needed for the formation and growth of vacuoles caused by the bacterium and that this pH gradient is due to the activity of a vacuolar ATPase proton pump of HeLa cells.