[Effect of a subinhibitory dose of amphotericin B on cellular fatty acid and sterol composition of Candida albicans].

Modifications in the cellular lipids of Candida albicans VW32 during its growth in the presence of a subinhibitory dose of amphotericin B were studied. Intracellular accumulation of fatty acids which appeared during growth was retarded in the presence of this antifungal agent after initial stimulation of unsaturated fatty acids. During the growth stage of the yeasts, sterols accumulated in cells through the action of amphotericin B. This accumulation was 80% during the growth state, but was only 13% in the stationary state. The relative level of ergosterol decreased through the action of this antifungal agent, but its precursors, namely ergosta-5,7-dien-3 beta-ol, episterol and fecosterol increased. The higher oxygenation of the cells due to the effect of this antifungal agent appeared to be responsible for the accumulation of unsaturated fatty acids and sterols in growing cells.