Bacterial outer membrane

The bacterial outer membrane is found in Gram-negative bacteria. Its composition is distinct from that of the cytoplasmic membrane - among other things, the outer leaflet of the membrane includes a complex lipopolysaccharide whose lipid portion acts as an endotoxin - and it is linked to the cell's peptidoglycan by Braun's lipoprotein.

Porins can be found in this layer.[1]

Clinical significance

If lipid A, part of the LPS, enters the circulatory system it causes a toxic reaction by activating TLR 4. Lipid A is very immunogenic and causes an aggressive response by the immune system. The sufferer will have a high temperature and respiration rate and a low blood pressure. This may lead to endotoxic shock, which may be fatal.

See also

References

  1. ^ van der Ley P, Heckels JE, Virji M, Hoogerhout P, Poolman JT (September 1991). "Topology of outer membrane porins in pathogenic Neisseria spp". Infection and immunity 59 (9): 2963–71. PMC 258120. PMID 1652557. http://iai.asm.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=1652557. 
Pathogenic bacteria
Human flora
Substrate preference
Oxygen preference
Structures
Outside envelope
Composite
Shapes

M: BAC

bact (clas)

gr+f/gr+a(t)/gr-p(c)/gr-o

drug(J1p, w, n, m, vacc)