Some observations on the nature of reactive groups involved in reversal of mycobacillin inhibition by sterols and lipids.

Antifungal action of di- and triacetyl derivatives of mycobacillin is not antagonised by cholesterol or lecithin which antagonise the action of its heptamethyl derivative. Considering the reactive groups of mycobacillin, the antagonism may involve the tyrosine hydroxyl groups of the antibiotic and the 3-hydroxyl group of cholesterol of the oleic acid component of lecithin having unsaturation at the 9:10 position with cis-configuration.