SIMILARITIES IN THE MECHANISMS OF ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY (MICROTOX(TM) ASSAY) AND TOXICITY TO VERTEBRATES

The structural determinants associated with inhibition of bacterial gr owth (Microtox assay), as well as those associated with other toxicolo gical activities, were identified using the CASE/Multi-CASE structure- activity relational system. CASE/Multi-CASE also possesses the ability to compare structural determinants associated with different biologic al phenomena. The extent of the homology between structural determinan ts can be used to evaluate common mechanisms of action. Using this app roach, significant commonalities between structural determinants assoc iated with the Microtox assay and those associated with toxicity to ma mmals and fish were found, suggesting that there may be a mechanistic relationship between these toxicological activities. The findings indi cate that, within these structural similarities, the Microtox assay ca n be used as an indicator of potential toxicity to mammals and fish.