Hexachlorophene-induced changes in erythrocyte membrane ATPase activity.

Hexachlorophene (HCP) has been found to dramatically affect erythrocyte membrane ATPase activity. The Na+,K+,Mg2+-ATPase of erythrocyte membranes was strongly inhibited by HCP. The Mg2+-ATPase was stimulated at lower concentrations of HCP, while at higher concentrations of HCP the activity decreased toward control levels. Inclusion of bovine serum albumin in the incubation medium protected each enzyme from the effect of HCP. A possible mechanism for the alteration of erythrocyte membrane ATPase activity by HCP is presented.