title: Interaction of silicate dust with erythrocyte ghost membrane: in vitro studies.
abstract: Composition of the erythrocyte ghost membrane obtained from slate-dust-lysed and hypotonically lysed erythrocytes were compared in vitro. The protein and cholesterol contents were unaltered, whilst phospholipid and glycosamine contents decreased significantly in the slate-dust-lysed preparation of erythrocyte ghost membrane. Na+, K+-ATPase activity remained unchanged, whilst acetylcholinesterase activity was decreased slightly by slate dust treatment. Further, binding of silicic acid, dissolving out of slate dust, was observed with a component of erythrocyte ghost membrane protein having molecular weight around 90 000 daltons. The significance of the findings is discussed.
mesh_terms: D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002850:Chromatography, Gel; D004391:Dust / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000032:analysis; D012824:Silicic Acid / Q000633:toxicity*; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D002352:Carrier Proteins; D004391:Dust; D010743:Phospholipids; D012824:Silicic Acid; D012822:Silicon Dioxide