A novel role of Ca2+ and Zn2+: protection of cells against membrane damage.
Certain cytotoxic agents damage cells by the induction of pores across their plasma membrane. Ca2+ and Zn2+ protect against such damage by promoting pore closure. Zn2+ may play a beneficial role in this regard in certain disease states.
Pasternak
C A
CA
Department of Biochemistry, St George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK.
D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects*; D006461:Hemolysis / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D015032:Zinc / Q000494:pharmacology*
D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D015032:Zinc; D002118:Calcium