Comparative studies on cell stimulatory, permeabilizing and toxic effects induced in sensitive and multidrug resistant fungal strains by amphotericinB (AMB) and N-methyl-N-D-fructosyl amphotericin B methyl ester (MFAME)

N-Methyl-N-D-fructosyl-amphotericin B methyl ester (MFAME) is a new derivat ive of amphotericin B, which is characterised by low toxicity to mammalian cells and good solubility in water of its salts. The antifungal activity an d effects of MFAME towards Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae mu ltidrug resistant MDR(+) and sensitive MDR(-) strains was compared with tho se of parent compound. The results obtained indicate that MDR(+) S. cerevis iae was sensitive to MFAME as well as to AMB. MFAME exhibited the same effe cts on fungal cells studied as parent antibiotic. The two antibiotics, depe nding on the dose applied induced cell stimulation, K+ efflux, and/or had a toxic effect.