The effects of melafen (plant growth stimulant) on membrane structure and functions of animal cells were studied. The process of signal transduction from cell surface to intracellular structures and conformation changes in membranes in the presence of this substance were studied by light scatter and differential scanning microcalorimetry. Melafen in a wide range of concentrations (10(-13)-10(-3) M) inhibited Ca(2+) signal system involved in the function of Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) and Cl(-) channels in Ehrlich ascitic carcinoma cells. Being a hydrophilic substance, melafen had little effect on the lipid phase of artificial membranes, but impaired the function state of transformed cell. The importance of studies of transformed cells causes no doubt because of increasing incidence of diseases associated with uncontrolled cell division.

It has been shown that illumination of rod outer segment suspension in the presence of photosensitizers (methylene blue lambda greater than or equal to 620 nm; retinal 370 less than or equal to lambda less than or equal to 390 nm) results in chemical modification of the lipid and protein components of the photo-receptor membranes. This modification can be registered by accumulation of lipid peroxidation (LPO) products as well as oligomerization of rhodopsin and a decrease of rhodopsin thermal stability. These effects are prevented by 'O2-quenchers and free radical scavengers. It has been found that the electric activity (ERG) of isolated frog retina is inhibited due to photosensitized generation of 'O2 which can be overcome by preliminary addition of 'O2-quenchers and free radical scavengers to the incubation medium. The LPO products are accumulated in the retinae of rats exposed to high intensity light in vivo. It is concluded that 'O2 and LPO are involved in light-induced damage of the retina.