Singh S V, Rahman Q, Das B
Toxicol Lett. 1985 Aug;26(2-3):199-204. doi: 10.1016/0378-4274(85)90167-5.
The biochemical composition of rat erythrocyte ghost membrane obtained by hypotonic lysis and slate-dust-induced lysis were compared in vitro. The phospholipids and glycosamine contents decreased in slate-dust-exposed erythrocyte membrane, whereas there were no changes in protein content. The in vitro and in vivo association of silica, leaching from slate dust, with the components of rat erythrocyte ghost membrane, has also been demonstrated. The interaction of silica with membrane constituents is proposed as a mechanism of action of slate-dust toxicity.