Alterations in rat erythrocyte membrane due to hexachlorocyclohexane (technical) exposure.

1. Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), an organochlorine pesticide having hydrophobic molecule is known to act on membranes. HCH mediated alterations in erythrocyte membrane occur through disorganization of the lipid bilayer. Therefore the changes in erythrocyte membrane fluidity, osmotic fragility and certain membrane bound enzymes were studied. Administration of HCH (technical) to rats at 5 mg/kg, orally, 5 days a week for 1, 2 and 3 months caused marked increase in erythrocyte membrane fluidity, osmotic fragility and decrease in levels of Na+, K(+)-ATPase, acetylcholinesterase in erythrocytes and glutathione in blood. 2. These changes indicate that HCH adversely affects membrane structure and function.