Effects of subinhibitory dose of amphotericin B on cell wall biosynthesis in Candida albicans.

Subinhibitory doses of amphotericin B in the culture medium of Candida albicans modified yeast cell wall synthesis. Analysis of isolated cell walls showed a decrease in mannose and an increase in amino acid and glucosamine levels. After fractionation of the cell wall by ethylenediamine or pronase digestion, study of the fractions corroborated an outer phosphopeptidomannan decrease and an enrichment of matrix constituents. Determination of the amount of chitin showed stimulation of synthesis of this amino polysaccharide in yeasts grown in the presence of amphotericin B. Decrease in phosphopeptidomannans and high production of other cell wall constituents are probably consequences of modification of the lipidic environment of membrane-bound enzymes by the antifungal polyene action.