Acute carbon tetrachloride induced lysosomal membrane damage and the membrane protecting effect of a new dihydroquinoline-type antioxidant.

The authors examined the damage of lysosomal membrane caused by acute CCl4 intoxication by in vitro methods. They measured the acid phosphatase as well as beta-glucuronidase enzyme levels and determined the rate of release of these two enzymes. The in vivo changes in enzyme activity were extrapolated from the in vitro results. The CCl4 causes a significant increase in the permeability and rigidity of the lysosomal membrane. By oral and/or intraperitoneal administration of MTDQ the state of permeability can be improved or even corrected. On the basis of their results, the authors conclude that the lysosomal damage caused by CCl4 is mediated by peroxidation of lipids and the lysosomal membrane can be stabilised by MTDQ.