The effects of glutaraldehyde cross-linking on the function of the adenylate cyclase complex of turkey erythrocytes

A critical review of the toxicology of glutaraldehyde

Glutaraldehyde, a low molecular weight aldehyde, has been investigated for toxicity in humans and animals. Examination of this dialdehyde was indicated from previous studies with other aldehydes in which carcinogenicity of formaldehyde and toxicity of acetaldehyde and malonaldehyde have been disclosed. Information gaps concerning the actions of glutaraldehyde have been identified in this review and recommendations are suggested for additional short- and long-term studies. In particular, information regarding irritation of the respiratory tract, potential neurotoxicity, and developmental effects would assist in a complete hazard evaluation of glutaraldehyde. Further study related to disposition, metabolism, and reactions of glutaraldehyde may elucidate the mechanism of action.

Glutaraldehyde pretreatment blocks temperature-induced high-affinity [3H]tryptamine binding

The effect of glutaraldehyde (and Azure A) on temperature-sensitive high-affinity [3H]tryptamine binding was investigated in rat brain synaptic plasma membranes. In the 0.01-0.1% concentration range, the glutaraldehyde pretreatment preferentially inhibited only the above-mentioned portion of the binding, whereas the posttreatment of this reagent had no effect. On the other hand, in cases of pretreatment or posttreatment, a concentration of glutaraldehyde as high as 0.1% was inactive on the basal [3H]ligand binding capacity of the membranes (i.e., temperature-independent binding). Furthermore, it was revealed that the Scatchard plot of [3H]tryptamine binding in membranes pretreated with glutaraldehyde (0.05%) conformed to a straight line, as did a similar plot of temperature-independent binding. And, it was interesting to find that the binding parameters (KD and Bmax values) of both samples corresponded closely to each other. On the contrary, in all concentrations, Azure A affected nonspecifically both the temperature-dependent and the independent [3H]tryptamine binding to the same degree, regardless of whether or not there was pretreatment or posttreatment. All these observations clearly demonstrate that an appropriate concentration (0.01-0.1%) of glutaraldehyde pretreatment specifically blocks the temperature-induced allosteric modifications of high-affinity [3H]tryptamine binding sites.