US EPA

3647382 

Journal Article 

The Significance Of The Lysosome In Toxicology 

Davies, P; Allison, AC 

1972 

Yes 

CRC Critical Reviews in Toxicology
ISSN: 0045-6446 

NIOSH/00148701 

1 

3 

283-323 

The importance of the lysosome in toxicology is reviewed. Lysosomes and plasma membranes are the cellular constituents most accessible to toxins and drugs. In addition, lysosomes, with their content of hydrolytic enzymes, are able to cause considerable damage to cells and intra cellular materials. The involvement of lysosomes in adverse cellular reactions to chemicals can be primary or a secondary response in the form of autophagy. Lysosomal hydrolases are involved in the digestion of macromolecules taken into cells and of cytoplasmic constituents segregated in autophagosomes, but lysosomal contents can be released from cells. Released enzymes can degrade tissue and may be important in chronic inflammation. Lysosomal changes are important in teratogenesis, as has been demonstrated with specific agents. Lysosomes may play a role in carcinogenesis. Some carcinogens have been shown to accumulate in lysosomes and cell damage and carcinogenesis may be related. Lysosomal membranes have been shown to be among the most radiosensitive in the cell. The role of lysosomes in the toxicity of some inhaled particles such as silica (7631869) and asbestos (1332214) has been the subject of considerable study. Lysosomes are affected by bacterial toxins such as those produced by streptococci and staphylococci, and by animal and insect venoms. Lysosomes may be among the membranes affected by virus specified proteins. Steroids have opposing effects on lysosomes depending on their stabilizing or labilizing abilities. The acidic glycolipid of lysosomes has a high affinity for cationic molecules, favoring the accumulation of inorganic cations within lysosomes. The authors conclude that many different classes of toxic agents have effects on lysosomes. Lysosomal involvement in cytotoxicity can be an early event in some instances and a late event in others. The control of lysosomal enzyme synthesis may prove important in long term toxicity. 

DCN-139451; Tissue distribution; Toxic materials; Viral diseases; Tissue disorders; Enzyme activity; Toxic effects; Cytology; Biological effects; Blood sampling; Cytolysis; 7631-86-9; 1332-21-4