Inhibition of the respiratory-linked membrane potential in E. coli membrane vesicles by octapeptin.

Octapeptin is a peptide antibiotic which affects bacterial membrane structure and selective membrane permeability for protons and potassium. The influence of octapeptin on the formation of a membrane potential generated across bacterial vesicles was monitored using the Rb+-valinomycin transport system. Octapeptin inhibited the respiratory-linked generation of membrane potentials formed in the presence of succinate or Asc/PMS. In addition, the antibiotic inhibited [3H]-leucine transport driven either by succinate or Asc/PMS. These studies support the proposal that the antimicrobial activity of octapeptin is due to inhibition of the formation of a membrane potential generated in the presence of appropriate respiratory substrates.