Pasternak, C ABashford, C LMicklem, K H2015-07-232015-07-231985-08Pasternak C A, Bashford C L, Micklem K H. Ca2+ and the interaction of pore-formers with membranes. Journal of Biosciences. 1985 Aug; 8(1&2): 273-291.http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/160391The interaction of pore-forming agents, such as Sendai virus, influenza virus (at pH 5 3), activated complement, Staphylococcus aureus α-toxin, melittin and polylysine, with the surface membrane of cells has been studied. In each case the following changes are initiated: collapse of membrane potential, leakage of ions, and leakage of phosphorylated metabolites. The changes can be inihibited by extracellular Ca2+ at physiological concentration; Mg2+ is less effective, and Zn2+ is more effective, than Ca2+ Ca2+ appears to act at a stage subsequent to the binding of pore-forming agent to cells. It is concluded that divalent cations are able to protect cells against the damaging effects of certain viruses, toxins or the components of activated complement in a manner that is worthy of further investigation.enSendai virusinfluenza viruscomplementmelittintoxinpermeability changesmembrane potentialCa2+Mg2+Zn2Article