Spin-labelling studies of the interaction of 9-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine (THA), a proposed drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, with erythrocyte membranes.

ESR spin labels specific for skeletal proteins or cell-surface sialic acid have been used to monitor the interaction of 9-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine (THA) and its structural analogs with human erythrocyte membranes. The results suggest that THA significantly increases skeletal protein-protein interactions and may secondarily alter the physical state of the opposite side of the membrane. The fully aromatic analog of THA, 9-aminoacridine, showed even more pronounced effects on skeletal proteins than did THA. These results are discussed in relation to possible interaction sites of THA in erythrocyte ghosts and to potential mechanisms by which THA reportedly increases mental function of victims of Alzheimer's disease.