Influence of hexachlorocyclohexane on phosphoinositides in rat erythrocyte membranes and brain

Single exposure of rats to hexachlorocyclohexane (100 mg/kg) did not cause any significant change in phosphoinositide levels in rat erythrocyte membrane and cerebrum (fore brain) 2 or 24 h after exposure. However, the phosphoinositide turnover and generation of second messengers from phosphoinositides were increased in the treated erythrocyte membranes as judged from a marked increase in the incorporation of [2-3H]inositol into phosphoinositides 24 h after the treatment. A significant decrease in phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PIP) and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) was observed in the erythrocyte membrane and cerebrum of rats repeatedly exposed to the pesticide for 3 or 6 months. This drastic reduction in phosphoinositide levels suggests adverse effects on vital membrane and cell functions modulated by phosphoinositides.