Effect of sodium arsenite on liposomes and erythrocyte membranes
Zolese, G.; Curatola, G.; Bertoli, E.
Bollettino della Societa Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale 62(10): 1177-1183
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-8771 PMID: 3828115 Document Number: 286132
Arsenite exhibits a cronic, toxicity probably related to its interactions with biological membranes, while the acute toxic effect is due to inhibition of specific enzymes. To evaluate the mechanism of Arsenite effect on membranes we studied the modification induced on protein conformation and lipid fluidity of erythrocyte and model membrane. Arsenite decreases the .alpha.-helix content of membrane proteins without affecting conformation of soluble protein. This effect is probably due to a direct interaction with membrane proteins which does not involve labilization of lipid-protein interactions.