The interactions of trialkyltin compounds with lysosomes from rat liver

Interactions of two trialkyltin compounds with the lysosomes from a rat liv er have been studied. It is shown that these compounds induce a fast alkali nisation in the matrix of energised lysosomes. The fast alkalinisation rate is similar to the one obtained with uncouplers of the oxidative phosphoryl ation. An identical effect has been obtained with lysosomes energised in a chloride Free medium. This supports the hypothesis that trialkyltin compoun ds behave not only as Cl- /OH- exchangers, but also as proton carriers in b iological membranes. This result could explain the toxicity and in particul ar the neurotoxicity of trialkyltin compounds. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science In c. All rights reserved.