A Toluene Model for Hydrocarbon Risk Assessment

Abstract

This project was for continuation of research to investigate the molecular mode of action of a membrane-active hydrocarbon, toluene, potentially present in the Air Force environment as a flight fuel component or from other sources and to serve as a model for other membrane-active molecules in the environment. Two important target sites were identified where rapid dose- dependent but reversible changes in the membrane organization occurred at low dose levels. One of these was at the plasma membrane where the ability of the membrane to form protuberances was severely compromised. The other concerned a failure to form protuberances by membranes involved in internal trafficking between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus. This step was reproduced in a cell-free system making detailed studies possible. The toluene inhibited step was identified as dependent on ATP hydrolysis. The involved ATPase activity was characterized, solubilized and partially purified.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 29, 1990
Accession Number
ADA225358

Entities

People

  • James Morre

Organizations

  • Purdue University

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Cell Membrane
  • Cells
  • Cellular Structures
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Electrons
  • Elements
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum
  • Golgi Apparatus
  • Inhibition
  • Materials
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Proteins
  • Risk
  • Transition Metals

Fields of Study

  • Biology
  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Systems Analysis and Design