Amphotericin B Membrane Action: Role for Two Types of Ion Channels in Eliciting Cell Survival and Lethal Effects

The formation of aqueous pores by the polyene antibiotic amphotericin B (AmB) is at the basis of its fungicidal and leishmanicidal action. However, other types of nonlethal and dose-dependent biphasic effects that have been associated with the AmB action in different cells, including a variety of survival responses, are difficult to reconcile with the formation of a unique type of ion channel by the antibiotic. In this respect, there is increasing evidence indicating that AmB forms nonaqueous (cation-selective) channels at concentrations below the threshold at which aqueous pores are formed. The main foci of this review will be (1) to provide a summary of the evidence supporting the formation of cation-selective ion channels and aqueous pores by AmB in lipid membrane models and in the membranes of eukaryotic cells; (2) to discuss the influence of membrane parameters such as thickness fluctuations, the type of sterol present and the existence of sterol-rich specialized lipid raft microdomains in the formation process of such channels; and (3) to develop a cell model that serves as a framework for understanding how the intracellular K+ and Na+ concentration changes induced by the cation-selective AmB channels enhance multiple survival response pathways before they are overcome by the more sustained ion fluxes, Ca2+-dependent apoptotic events and cell lysis effects that are associated with the formation of AmB aqueous pores.