Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics

, Volume 51, Issue 2–3, pp 97–103 | Cite as

Extremely High Frequency Electromagnetic Radiation Enforces Bacterial Effects of Inhibitors and Antibiotics

  • Hasmik Tadevosyan
  • Vitaly Kalantaryan
  • Armen Trchounian
Original Paper
First Online:
Accepted:

Abstract

The coherent electromagnetic radiation (EMR) of the frequency of 51.8 and 53 GHz with low intensity (the power flux density of 0.06 mW/cm2) affected the growth of Escherichia coli K12(λ) under fermentation conditions: the lowering of the growth specific rate was considerably (~2-fold) increased with exposure duration of 30–60 min; a significant decrease in the number of viable cells was also shown. Moreover, the enforced effects of the N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD), inhibitor of H+-transporting F0F1-ATPase, on energy-dependent H+ efflux by whole cells and of antibiotics like tetracycline and chloramphenicol on the following bacterial growth and survival were also determined after radiation. In addition, the lowering in DCCD-inhibited ATPase activity of membrane vesicles from exposed cells was defined. The results confirmed the input of membranous changes in bacterial action of low intensity extremely high frequency EMR, when the F0F1-ATPase is probably playing a key role. The radiation of bacteria might lead to changed metabolic pathways and to antibiotic resistance. It may also give bacteria with a specific role in biosphere.

Keywords

Extremely high frequency electromagnetic radiation Bacterial growth and survival F0F1-ATPase, N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide Antibiotics Tetracycline and chloramphenicol 
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Notes

Acknowledgements

This study was done within the framework supported by Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Armenia (Grants # 0167-2005 and # 1012-2008).

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Copyright information

© Humana Press 2008

Authors and Affiliations

  • Hasmik Tadevosyan
    • 1
  • Vitaly Kalantaryan
    • 2
  • Armen Trchounian
    • 1
  1. 1.Biology Faculty, Department of BiophysicsYerevan State UniversityYerevanArmenia
  2. 2.Radiophysics Faculty, Department of High Frequency Radiophysics and TelecommunicationYerevan State UniversityYerevanArmenia

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