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Rapid induction of amphotericin B sensitivity in L1210 leukaemia cells by liposomes containing ergosterol

Abstract

AMPHOTERICIN B is a polyene antibiotic whose clinical use has been limited to the treatment of fungal infections. The mode of action of amphotericin B is believed to involve damage to cell membranes containing certain sterols1,2. One sterol of primary importance for this membrane interaction is ergosterol2–5, and it is believed that its presence in cell membranes of fungi confers sensitivity to amphotericin B2. Studies with phospholipid vesicles indicate that it is possible to alter the lipid content of cultured mammalian cells after short incubations with liposomes of defined content6,7. We report here that brief treatment with liposomes containing ergosterol can sensitise L1210 murine leukaemia cells to the subsequent action of amphotericin B.

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SCHIFFMAN, F., KLEIN, I. Rapid induction of amphotericin B sensitivity in L1210 leukaemia cells by liposomes containing ergosterol. Nature 269, 65–66 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1038/269065a0

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