Alterations in rat erythrocyte membrane due to hexachlorocyclohexane (technical) exposure

1 Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), an organochlorine pesticide having hydrophob ic molecule is known to act on membranes. HCH mediated alterations in eryth rocyte membrane occur through disorganization of the lipid bilayer. Therefo re the changes in erythrocyte membrane fluidity, osmotic fragility and cert ain membrane bound enzymes were studied. Administration of HCH (technical) to rats at 5 mg/kg, orally, 5 days a week for 1, 2 and 3 months caused mark ed increase in erythrocyte membrane fluidity, osmotic fragility and decreas e in levels of Na+, K+-ATPase, acetylcholinesterase in erythrocytes and glu tathione in blood. 2 These changes indicate that HCH adversely affects membrane structure and function.