The accumulation in lysosomes of the anionic detergent linear alkylbenzene sulfonate

This in vitro study provides evidence that the anionic detergent linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) enters energized lysosomes from rat liver. Because LAS is lipophilic and negatively charged, the uptake is due to the presence of a positive inside potential induced by energization of lysosomes. This accumulation could explain some damage caused by sublethal doses of detergent in some aquatic species, as it has been found that LAS inhibits lysosomal enzymes such as acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase.