Benzalkonium chloride interferes with energy production, secretion and morphology in human blood platelets

Citation
Oh. Berg et al., Benzalkonium chloride interferes with energy production, secretion and morphology in human blood platelets, PLATELETS, 10(2-3), 1999, pp. 97-104
Citations number
21
Categorie Soggetti
Cardiovascular & Hematology Research
Journal title
PLATELETS
ISSN journal
09537104 → ACNP
Volume
10
Issue
2-3
Year of publication
1999
Pages
97 - 104
Database
ISI
SICI code
0953-7104(1999)10:2-3<97:BCIWEP>2.0.ZU;2-0
Abstract
Benzalkonium chloride (BC) is a bactericidal compound used as a topical ant iseptic and as a preservative in various products for local treatment, e.g. , eye and nose drops. BC is toxic to human cells, including those of the re spiratory mucosa, Few studies have, however, focused on what cellular funct ions BC interferes with. The effects of BC were studied on washed human blo od platelets in vitro, Cellular energy production as well as secretion were studied. Incubation of platelets with BC resulted in rapid swelling and to xic morphological changes. After incubation with BC oxidation of [1-C-14] p almitate was inhibited, and both lactate dehydrogenase and endogenous serot onin were spontaneously released. Thrombin-induced secretion of serotonin w as strongly reduced after BC exposure. Histological changes with increased size, spherical form, decreased numbers of pseudopodia, loss of an intact c ontinuous tubulus system and reduced number of granules were found by scann ing and transmission electron microscopy, It is concluded that the toxic ef fects of BC are because of interference with membrane function and energy p roduction.