Effects of Tetrachlorobiphenyls on the Osmotic Fragility and Shape of Human Erythrocytes

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Abstract
The effects of tetrachlorobiphenyl (TCB) isomers on the osmotic fragility and shape of human erythrocytes were examined. Low concentrations of 2,3,2'',3''-, 2,4,2'',4''- and 2,5,2'',5''-TCG protected erythrocytes from hypotonic hemolysis, but at high concentrations, these compounds greatly promoted hypotonic hemolysis. Along with the antihemolytic effect, the compounds caused alterations in cell shape that ranged from normal discocytes to cup-formed cells and to spherocytes. These compounds could be classified as cup-formers. The alterations in shape were brought about by conditions in which the membranes were protected from hypotonic hemolysis. The break point in the Arrhenius plot for hypotonic hemolysis was decreased by .apprx. 3.degree. C when 2,3,2'',3''-TCB was added. These compounds increased fluidity of the bilayer, which was clearly demonstrated by the ability of 2,3,2'',3''-TCB to lower the break point temperature, which enabled it to protect erythrocytes from osmotic swelling. 2,6,2'',6''- and 3,4,3'',4''-TCB did not protect erythrocytes from hypotonic hemolysis or alter cell shape. The relation between these phenomena and chemical structure was discussed.