Escherichia coli resistance to neurosporin can be sensitive to resistant strains by eliminating their outer membrane resistance. The polycationic antibiotic, Nourseothricin, represents a mixture of several Streptothricins, mainly D and F. Obviously, although very slowly, it can pass the outer membrane via the porin pores. It has been shown earlier that Nourseothricin is able to generate some kind of channels into the outer membrane through which it can pass the cell wall. On the other hand, there are indications that resistant strains containing a Nourseothricin-inactivating acetyl transferase possess an additional protecting system, namely a reduced penetrability of the outer membrane.

Nourseothricin is preferentially excreted via kidney and signs of nephrotoxicity can be observed after its administration. Renal handling of Nourseothricin is characterized in experiments on renal cortical slices under various experimental conditions. Following administration in vivo the renal tubular transport system for organic anions (p-aminohippurate, PAH) is not influenced by Nourseothricin. There is a high degree of accumulation of Nourseothricin in renal cortical slices. In contrast to PAH accumulation there is no influence of nitrogen atmosphere, simultaneous administration of PAH, probenecid or trishydroxyaminomethane on Nourseothricin accumulation. Age dependent differences in Nourseothricin accumulation does not exist.