Shape-transforming Action of Myrmicacin (3-Hydroxydecanoic Acid) and Some Related Compounds on the Membrane of Intact Human Erythrocytes

Abstract

The effects of the following compounds (most of which had been proved to inhibit mitotic progression of pollens) on the shape of the membrane of human erythrocytes were tested : myrmicacin (3-hydroxydecanoic acid) and its derivatives, even-numbered C_4-10 fatty acids, and some C₁₀ diols. They all induced a shape change of the membrane-exvagination (crenation) type at pH 7.4 to different extents, depending on their structures, but not at pH 6.0. The shape change induced was reversible. The structure-activity relationship and the mode of action were compared with those for the action of these compounds on pollen growth.