Pinocytic stimulation in Dictyostelium discoideum by gamma-benzene hexachloride

Pinocytic activity is greatly stimulated in gamma-BHC (gamma isomer of benzene hexachloride) treated, vegetative cells of Dictyostelium discoideum as measured by 14C sucrose or FITC-dextran uptake. Transmission electron microscopic studies also reveal the presence of a greater number of pinosomal vesicles in the pesticide-treated Dictyostelium amoebae. The enhanced pinocytic activity has been discussed in relation to lipophilic interactions of gamma-BHC with the hydrophobic cell surface and the observed changes in the cytoskeletal proteins of the treated cells.