Antimicrobial peptides of frog skin.

A mechanism of action for frog skin antimicrobial peptides has been proposed, based on the amphipathic nature of the peptides when they contact bacterial surfaces. This results in anion channel formation and penetration of the membrane which allows efflux of OH- and uncoupling of respiration in the bacteria. The question of occurrence of human antimicrobial peptides analogous to those in frogs has not been answered but early studies indicate that Erspamer's prediction is correct.