EFFECT OF HEAVY-METALS ON THE STATE OF THE MEMBRANE LIPID BILAYER OF ERYTHROCYTES OF THE BIVALVE SCAPHARCA-BROUGHTONI

A comparative study was made or the effect or Zn+2, Cd+2, Cu+2 on the microviscosity of the membrane lipid bilayer or erythrocytes of the marine bivalve Scapharca broughtoni and rat. Cd+2 had a condensing effect on the erythrocyte membranes of rat and practically did not affect molluscan erythrocytes. At the same time, ions Cu+2, compared with ions Cd+2 and Zn+2, led to a considerable increase in values of the parameter of orderliness or membranes S in both animals. By contrast, the presence of Zn+2 even in much higher concentrations than Cu+2 and Cd+2 had no significant effect on the membrane lipid bilayer of erythrocytes of the animals. The role of lipid and protein compotents in the interaction of erythrocyte membranes and heavy metal ions is discussed.