[Increased lysosomal membrane permeability in hexachlorobenzene poisoning in rabbits]

To assess the effect of the fungicide hexachlorobenzene (HCB) on lysosomal membrane stability in rabbits, the authors determined the activity of two lysosomal enzymes (beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, CP 3.2.1.30 and alpha-mannosidase, CP 3.2.1.24) in the blood serum, and free unsedimentable activity of the former enzyme in liver homogenates. The activities of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase and alpha-mannosidase were found to be enhanced on the 7th and 50th days after daily administration of HCB in doses 280 and 105 mumol/kg body mass, respectively. In chronic experiments, there was also an increase in free and unsedimentable activity of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase in liver homogenates. Increased permeability of lysosomal membranes due to HCB indicates that lysosomes and acid hydrolases are implicated in the pathogenesis of intoxication under consideration.