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Biphasic Action of Penicillin and other Sulphonamide Similarity

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Abstract

SUBSTANCES generally acknowledged as being toxic to cells may have an opposite effect in higher dilution. This biphasic action—inhibition in high concentrations and stimulation in low concentrations—has been observed with a wide variety of substances, including narcotics, cyanide, pyrithiamine1 and sulphonamides2. There is ample evidence that low concentrations of the last group stimulate bacterial growth; and it would appear that the period of active proliferation, which frequently precedes bacteriostasis by sulphonamides in higher concentrations, is a manifestation of the same phenomenon. We here report what appears to be an expression of the same effect occurring with penicillin.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. R.N., Royal Naval Medical School,

    W. SLOAN MILLER

  2. R.N.V.R., Royal Naval Medical School,

    C. A. GREEN SURG. COMDR.

  3. Royal Naval Medical School,

    H. KITCHEN

Authors
  1. W. SLOAN MILLER
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  2. C. A. GREEN SURG. COMDR.
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  3. H. KITCHEN
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MILLER, W., GREEN, C. & KITCHEN, H. Biphasic Action of Penicillin and other Sulphonamide Similarity. Nature 155, 210–211 (1945). https://doi.org/10.1038/155210a0

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