title: In vitro erythrocytic membrane effects of dibenzyl trisulfide, a secondary metabolite of Petiveria alliacea.
abstract: We investigated the in vitro effect of dibenzyl trisulfide (DTS), a secondary metabolite of Petiveria alliacea, on erythrocyte elasticity, relaxation time and membrane morphology. Blood samples from 8 volunteers with hemoglobin AA were exposed to 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1000 ng/ml of DTS respectively and the elasticity and relaxation time measured. There were statistically significant, dose-dependent increases in elasticity and relaxation times. The changes in membrane morphology observed also increased with increased concentration of DTS. This suggests that DTS interaction with membrane protein resulted in increased elasticity, relaxation time and deformation of the erythrocyte membrane.
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Physiology Section, The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica. dagogo.pepple@uwimona.edu.jm
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Pepple
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Richards
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Lowe
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.forename: N O
authors.initials: NO
authors.lastname: Younger
authors.forename: L A D
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D001593:Benzyl Compounds / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015394:Molecular Structure; D029602:Phytolaccaceae / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D013440:Sulfides / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D001593:Benzyl Compounds; D013440:Sulfides; C495415:dibenzyl trisulfide