CELL-MEMBRANE IONIC PERMEABILITY, CALCIUM-ION, MITOCHONDRIA, AND CARCINOGENESIS

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 48  (6) , 497-503
Abstract
The interrelations between changes in cell membrane permeability, increase of intracellular concentration of Ca2+ and alterations of the bioenergetic and genetic mechanisms of the mitochondria are formalized in a hypothesis of carcinogenesis. Changes in the permeability of the cell membrane induced by the carcinogen are responsible for increased intracellular accumulation of Ca2+. This phenomenon produces mitochondria damage associated with permanent modifications of the structural and functional characteristics of the cell membranes as well as of the genetic mechanisms controlling cell division.