CELL VACUOLIZATION INDUCED BY HELICOBACTER-PYLORI - INHIBITION BY BAFILOMYCIN-A1, BAFILOMYCIN-B1, BAFILOMYCIN-C1 AND BAFILOMYCIN-D

All available bafilomycins (A1, B1, C1 and D) inhibit and revert macro scopic vacuolization induced by Helicobacter pylori cell-free extracts . Bafilomycin A1 displays the highest activity, followed by bafilomyci n B1, C1 and D. The different potency of bafilomycins correlates with their ability to inhibit the vacuolar-type ATPase (V-ATPase) and to di ssipate the membrane pH gradient of intracellular acidic organelles. T hese results suggest that bafilomycins should be considered as possibl e therapeutic agents in the treatment of gastritis.