Cytotoxicity of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons in Vitro Observations on Chloroform-Induced Hemolysis

Abstract

Summary

The effect of chloroform on a suspension of erythrocytes was studied, in order to test the hypothesis that a hepatotoxic chlorinated hydrocarbon could exert a cytotoxic effect without first being metabolized. Chloroform in a concentration of 5 × 10^-2 M was found to induce hemolysis and leakage of lactic dehydrogenase and malic dehydrogenase from the red cells, effects that could be partially inhibited by reduced or oxidized glutathione. These data support the view that CHCl₃ can have a directly adverse effect on a cell membrane, although they do not preclude a role of a CHCl₃ metabolite in hepatotoxicity in the intact animal.