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Biochemical and ultrastructural changes in biological membranes induced by p,p'-DDT (chlorophenotanum) and its
Abstract:
Alterations in membranes structure of rat liver mitochondria and chick embryo heart cells treated in vitro with p,p'-DDT and its main metabolites were investigated. Electron-microscopic study presented in this paper showed that DDT, DDE and DDA damaged the ultrastructure of mitochondrial membranes. Experiments with isolated chicken embryo heart cells showed that DDT and DDE damaged cell membranes which became permeable to polycation -- protamine. A target -- site for DDT in biomembranes is discussed. It is concluded that DDT and some of its metabolites are responsible for the dearrangement of biological membranes.
Insights
The pesticide DDT and its metabolites, DDE and DDA, damage the structure of mitochondrial and cell membranes. These chemicals disrupt membrane integrity, making them permeable and causing dearrangement in biological membranes.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Cell biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- p,p'-DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is a persistent organic pollutant.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of DDT toxicity is crucial for environmental and health risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of p,p'-DDT and its metabolites (DDE, DDA) on the structure of biological membranes.
- To identify potential target sites of DDT within biomembranes.
Main Methods:
- In vitro treatment of rat liver mitochondria and chick embryo heart cells.
- Electron microscopy to examine ultrastructural changes.
- Assays to assess cell membrane permeability.
Main Results:
- DDT, DDE, and DDA were observed to damage the ultrastructure of mitochondrial membranes.
- DDT and DDE treatment increased the permeability of chick embryo heart cell membranes to protamine.
- Evidence suggests a specific target site for DDT action in biomembranes.
Conclusions:
- DDT and its metabolites, DDE and DDA, induce significant alterations in the structure and function of biological membranes.
- These compounds are implicated in the dearrangement of membrane integrity, potentially explaining their toxicity.