Ellipticine-induced alteration of model and natural membranes.

The modification of certain membrane properties by ellipticine derivatives was examined. The amphiphilic 9-methoxyellipticine was the most efficient in disorganizing membrane structure and in inducing leaks of liposomes, haemolysis of intact human erythrocytes. This drug and the dipolar 9-amino- and 9-hydroxyellipticine were equally efficient in decreasing the surface charge of membranes and in inhibiting the respiration of an isolated bacterial membrane.