Alterations in integrity of goldfish membrane induced by edetate disodium.

The effect of the chelating agent edetate disodium on the integrity of the goldfish membrane was examined. The time to produce death in goldfish exposed to secobarbital sodium was used as a reflection of membrane integrity. Although a minimum edetate disodium concentration was necessary to induce alterations in integrity, no direct relationship between the effect and concentration of the chelating agent was evident. The chelating agent's effect appeared to be an enhancement of the transport of the ionized drug form. The change in membrane integrity existed at least 24 hr after theoretical exposure to edetate disodium, but cyclic alterations in integrity could not be ruled out. The effect on integrity was also demonstrated to be nonpermanent, and the apparent loss in integrity was partially restored by calcium byt not by magnesium.