Characterization of hemolytic activity of 3-alkylpyridinium polymers from the marine sponge Reniera sarai

Polymeric alkylpyridinium salts (poly-APS) isolated from the marine sponge Reniera sai ni act as potent anticholinesterase agents; in addition they sh ow moderate hemolytic and cytotoxic activities. The hemolytic activity of p oly-APS is due to their detergent-like structure and behavior in aqueous so lutions. In this work, the hemolytic activity of poly-APS is analyzed and c ompared to that of structurally-related monomeric cationic surfactants. The influence of different divalent cations and lipids on poly-APS induced hem olysis is discussed. The dimensions of lesions caused by poly-APS in erythr ocyte membranes are determined by the use of osmotic protectants. Finally, the possible role of poly-APS in their natural environment is proposed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.