Membrane Alterations Following Toxic Chemical Insult.
Abstract
A procaryotic cell system was developed that can be used to determine the toxic action of chemicals acting at the level of the eucaryotic or procaryotic cytoplasmic membrane. Cell wall-less micobes known as mycoplasmas were used. In this current study, two perfluorinated fatty acids (CB and C10) were found to inhibit the growth of the test mycoplasmas. Two apparent activities, cytotoxicity and cytolysis, were observed. At high concentrations (>10 mM) a detergent-like action was noted. At low concentrations (<10 mM) cell death was observed without detectable cell lysis. Altering the cell membrane (the presumed target of the toxic compounds) resulted in altered levels to toxicity. Similar results were obtained when human or murine B-cells were used as the target organism. The toxic action of the perfluorinated fatty acids apparently involves some interaction with the membrane of the cells being treated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 10, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA194391
Entities
People
- Alan Liss
Organizations
- Binghamton University