ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the increased anion transport induced by the organolead cations, trimethyllead and triethyllead, across the human erythrocyte membrane. The anion transport across erythrocyte membranes mediated by organolead compounds was studied after inhibition of the natural anion transport by the specific amino-group reagent 4,4’-diisothiocyano stilbene-2,2’-disulfonic acid, a potent inhibitor of anion transport in red cells. The triethyllead-induced anion transport was examined in intact red cells and resealed ghosts. The red cell membrane has a very low permeability to hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions when the natural chloride/bicarbonate exchange is inhibited. The pH dependence of the organolead-induced chloride exchange was examined in ghosts in order to avoid difficulties due to changes in the intracellular water volume of erythrocytes when pH is varied. The chapter demonstrates the similarity between organolead and organotin compounds with regard to their effects on biological membranes.
