Preliminary study on erythrocyte membrane spectrin in workers exposed to carbon disulfide

Abstract

Objective To observe the influence of carbon disulfide(CS 2) exposure on worker's spectrum of erythrocyte membrane proteins. Methods CS 2 concentration in air of workplace was detected.The erythrocyte membrane of 16 workers(8 in exposed group,others in control group) were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE). Results The range of CS 2 concentration(TWA) in air of workplace was 0～8.98 mg/m 3.The relative percentage of erythrocyte membrane spectrin in exposed workers (34.48%) was higher than that in control workers(26.18%)( t =5.920, P 0.001).The percentage of spectrin was correlated with CS 2 concentration(TWA)( r =0.859, R 2 =0.738, P 0.001),as well as exposure index(EI, r =0.713, R 2 =0.508, P =0.002).A doubted new band in high molecular zone of erythrocyte membrane protein was found in two workers who had a long-term exposure history. Conclusion Long-term exposure to high levels of carbon disulfide may cause the spectrum abnormality of erythrocyte membrane proteins in workers.The results suggested that the spectrum of erythrocyte membrane proteins,especially spectrin might become a dose-effect molecular biomarker in workers exposed to carbon disulfide.