Untitled

Abstract

LiOH at more than 20mM strongly inhibited the growth of Lactobacillus casei IFO-3831. The effect was remarkable at the initial log phase but weak at the end. In plate culture, 50mm LiCk strongly inhibited growth, whereas 50mm KCl, NaCl, RbCl, CsCl, NH4Cl or CaCl2 affected cell growth slightly. LiOH up to 16mM proportionately promoted the uptake of lithium ion, whereas at a higher concen tration the uptake was increased. It was also found that LiOH at above 16mM induced the re lease of cellular N-acetylglucosamine and UV-ab sorbing substances. Thus it was suggested that the growth inhibition was due to a partial disarrange ment of the cell membrane and wall.