Study on the Mechanism of Lysosome Labilization by Inorganic Mercury in vitro

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Abstract
This investigation demonstrates that the labilization of rat liver lysosomes by Hg2+in vitro is the result of a complex series of events. The initial rapid binding of Hg2+ on lysosomal membranes is followed by an autocatalytic breakdown of lysosomes by the lysosomal hydrolytic enzymes. This secondary action is dependent on the concentration of Hg2+ which decreases the hydrolytic activity of the lysosomal enzymes. Furthermore an Hg2+ exchange reaction between solubilized lysosomal proteins, which have bound Hg2+, and lysosome membranes can induce lysosome labilization.