The effect of gamma-hexachlorcyclohexane on rat liver lysosomes

Abstract

(1). An intraperitoneal injection of gamma-HCH (40 mg/kg, ld 50) was shown to induce a significant release of three lysosomal enzymes—acid phosphatase, β-glucosidase and cathepsin D—in rat livers already 1 hr after administration of the agent. From 1 hr up to 24 hr of the observation period the release of selected lysosomal hydrolases consistently increased. In contrast to the biochemical findings, the morphological changes including, hepatic necrosis and fatty infiltration, were established only 24 hr after gamma-HCH treatment. (2). The in vitro studies on the latency of two lysosomal enzymes—acid phosphatase and β-glucosidase—in the rat liver lysosome-rich suspension treated with gamma-HCH, showed that the concentrations of 10 −5 M, 10 −4 M and 10 −3 M significantly decreased latency of both enzymes. However, acid phosphatase and β-glucosidase, exhibited differential responses to the in vitro effect of gamma-HCH, which might be due to the differential affinities of these enzymes for the lysosomal matrix. The above mentioned concentrations of gamma-HCH did not significantly change the activities of acid phosphatase, β-glucosidase and cathepsin D in vitro. (3). No significant alterations were observed in the total activities of enzymes studied after in vivo and in vitro administered gamma-HCH. (4). The present study suggests that gamma-HCH exerts its effect on rat liver lysosomes by modifying the structural properties of the lysosomal membrane.