HEMOLYTIC ACTION OF ANIONIC SURFACTANTS OF THE DIACYL LYSINE TYPE

Amphiphiles induce hemolysis at a given concentration and that would b e dependent on their structure. To know this, we have synthesized anio nic surfactants derived from lysine and differing in their chain lengt h and we have studied their hemolytic action. The chain length of the surfactants affects their hemolytic behaviour. Surfactants with two ch ains of 7 or 9 carbons presented biphasic behaviour at a concentration below or above 50 mg/100 ml. However, only the surfactant with two ch ains of 7 carbons has a protective effect against hypotonic hemolysis. The maximum protection was exerted when the surfactant was added to a 150 mOsmol/L solution. The surfactant is assumed to intercalate into the membrane in an orientated fashion and prevent the hypotonic hemoly sis. For this hemolytic behaviour dhe presence of two chains of 7 carb ons seems to be necessary. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.