The effect of sphingomyelin on the growth of tubercle bacilli

All preparations of sphingomyelin tested, whatever the tissues from which they originated, were found to enhance the growth of tubercle bacilli in vitro. Cerebrosides were inactive in this respect. Sphingomyelin promotes growth through two independent mechanisms: (a) It neutralizes the toxicity of long chain fatty acids probably by forming with them inert complexes. This protective effect facilitates initiation of growth from small inocula. (b) It supplies to the bacteria lignoceric acid (or its amide) which is utilized for growth. The base sphingosine, another component of sphingomyelin, does not favor and probably inhibits proliferation of tubercle bacilli.