The interactions of trialkyltin compounds with lysosomes from rat liver

Interactions of two trialkyltin compounds with the lysosomes from a rat liver have been studied. It is shown that these compounds induce a fast alkalinisation in the matrix of energised lysosomes. The fast alkalinisation rate is similar to the one obtained with uncouplers of the oxidative phosphorylation. An identical effect has been obtained with lysosomes energised in a chloride Free medium. This supports the hypothesis that trialkyltin compounds behave not only as Cl- /OH- exchangers, but also as proton carriers in biological membranes. This result could explain the toxicity and in particular the neurotoxicity of trialkyltin compounds