HAEMOLYTIC ACTION OF ALKYLMERCURIC COMPOUNDS AND THEIR INTERACTION WITH A PHOSPHOLIPID MONOLAYER

Abstract

Haemolysis of rabbit erythrocytes caused by alkylmercuric compounds in vitro and their interaction with a phospholipid monolayer were investigated. Intensity of their haemolytic action was in the following order : n-buty1- > n-propy1- > ethy1-> methyl-mercuric chloride. The interaction of these alkylmercuric chlorides with the phospho-lipid monolayer was the most intensive with n-butyl derivative being followed by other derivatives with the same order as seen in the haemolytic action.In the case of ethylmercuric phosphates, intensity of their interaction with thephospholipid monolayer was also found to be in the same order which has been obtain-ed for intensity of their haemolytic action, namely the order was as follows : tri-> di- > monoethylmercuric phosphate.From these results, a role of the alkyl groups of these compounds to their penetra-tion into erythrocyte membrane was discussed.