Effect of methyl isocyanate (MIC) on rat erythrocytes.

Changes in surface morphology of rat erythrocytes were studied by scanning electron microscopy after a single and repeated exposure of methyl isocyanate under static conditions. Marked morphological changes (echinocytes and spherocytes) were observed, followed by an increase in osmotic fragility of the erythrocyte membrane. The activity of the membrane bound enzyme adenosine triphosphatase (Na+, K+, Mg++) was inhibited.