Measurement of Cell Membrane Toxicity by Means of 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose

The membrane theory of toxicity (1 ) emanates from the fact that the plasma membrane is the first barrier met by a toxic agent on reaching the cell, and was first advanced to explain the toxic effects of heavy metals. The vital regulatory mechanisms inherent in the plasma membrane and its chemical composition make it susceptible to many toxic compounds (2 ). A toxic substance may cause structural alterations in the membrane by binding to or crosslinking proteins or by dissolving in the lipid matrix and thereby disturbing its order. The formation of functional holes in the membrane through the action of chemicals with detergent properties is common. Structural alterations often lead to specific functional changes, since the function of both integral and peripheral proteins are greatly influenced by their lipid environment. Furthermore, chemicals may induce toxic effects by direct interaction with functional proteins.