Abstract
The effect of methacrylonitrile (MeAN) a cyanogen compound, on various haematological parameters was studied. Administration of MeAN at 100 mg/kg per body weight/day for 7 days resulted in a significant decrease in the red cell count and in the level of hemoglobin, probably by inducing hemolysis. MeAN altered the fluidity of the erythrocyte membrane by increasing membrane cholesterol while the phospholipid remained unchanged, followed by a decrease in the activities of membrane bound enzymes like (Na+, K +)-ATPase, Acetylcholine esterase and NADH-dehydrogenase. A significant decrease in membrane sialic acid and calcium were also observed in the treated animals. MeAN besides having various toxic side effects, also exerts its toxicity on the circulating erythrocytes.
MeSH terms
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Acetylcholinesterase / metabolism
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Administration, Oral
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Animals
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Bilirubin / blood
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Calcium / metabolism
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Cholesterol / metabolism
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Erythrocyte Count / drug effects*
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Erythrocyte Membrane / drug effects*
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Erythrocyte Membrane / enzymology
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Erythrocyte Membrane / pathology
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Hemoglobins / drug effects*
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Hemolysis / drug effects
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Male
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Membrane Fluidity / drug effects*
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Methacrylates / administration & dosage
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Methacrylates / toxicity*
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N-Acetylneuraminic Acid / metabolism
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NADH Dehydrogenase / metabolism
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Nitriles / administration & dosage
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Nitriles / toxicity*
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Rats
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Rats, Wistar
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Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / metabolism
Substances
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Hemoglobins
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Methacrylates
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Nitriles
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methacrylonitrile
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Cholesterol
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NADH Dehydrogenase
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Acetylcholinesterase
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Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase
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N-Acetylneuraminic Acid
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Bilirubin
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Calcium