Influence of Ergot Alkaloids on Growth of Streptomyces purpurascens and Production of its Secondary Metabolites

Abstract

Different ergot alkaloids, in equimolar amounts, were added to submerged cultures of rhodomycins producing Streptomyces purpurascens, strain CBS 311.55. Influence of the alkaloids on growth and production of rhodomycins was measured by determination of mycelia weight and content of rhodomycinones. The production of rhodomycins is inhibited almost totally by as little as 82.5 µg/ml agroclavine, whereas the growth of the bacteria is stopped totally by 165 µg/ml. The remaining alkaloids show different effects.

Key Word Index

Streptomyces purpurascens - Agroclavine - Elymoclavine - Ergometrine - Ergotamine - Rhodomycins - Antibiotic activity