Inhibition of Escherichia coli Mg2+ ATPase: Synergism between a fire ant,Solenopsis richteri (Forel) abdomen factor and a photoreduction product of Mirex

Fire ant, Solenopsis richteri (Forel), abdomen was found to contain a water-soluble and heat-stable inhibitor of the ATPase activity in an E- Escherichia coli membrane preparation. A photoreduction product of Mirex was also inhibitory toward Escherichia coli Mg²⁺ ATPase, but was less effective in total enzyme activity inhibition that the fire ant inhibitor. However, the two compounds were found to be strongly synergistic in their inhibitory action. Surprisingly, Mirex had little or no effect on the bacterial membrane enzyme activity.