Polyene antibiotic - sterol interaction.

Abstract

This chapter discusses the chemistry and structure of the class of polyene antibiotics. It also discusses the biology of the action of the polyenes in the affected organism and in both natural and artificial membrane systems. The polyene compounds amphotericin B and nystatin are the chief substances employed clinically. They have been employed in relieving dermatophytic infections and in treating monilial infections, particularly in obstetrical and gynecological cases. Additionally, the hypocholesterolemic activity of orally administered polyene antibiotics has been reported as has their possible use in treating prostatic hypertrophy. Elemental analyses of the polyene antibiotics indicate that they contain only carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and, in some instances, nitrogen. The amino group present in some of the polyene antibiotics is associated with an amino sugar that is connected to the macrolide ring through a glycosidic bond. Polyene antibiotics are all characterized by a macrolide ring, which is a large ring of carbon atoms whose closure is affected by the formation of an internal ester or lactone. The presence of the lactone confers a highly characteristic peak on the infrared spectra of these compounds.