Mechanisms of antimotility action of tricyclic compounds in Proteus vulgaris.

Tricyclic compounds were able to inhibit the motility of Proteus vulgaris. The effectiveness of antimotility action was related to the physicochemical properties of the molecules, i.e. energy of HOMO, Log P, total surface. The antimotility action of the compounds was due to their reversible inhibition on the proton pump of the bacterium. Phosphate anion antagonized the antimotility, and potassium cation enhanced the action of phosphate anion on the antimotility effect induced by the agents. Glucose reversed the antimotility action of the compounds. Factors directly increasing the bacterial proton-motive force (PMF) could change bacterial motility and the antimotility action of the tricyclic compounds.