The effect of four pesticides on erythrocyte membrane was investigated herein. This was attempted by studying their lytic or antilytic effects on erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells) of human and fish blood in critical hypotonic saline media. The insecticides used are representatives of four major groups; organochlorines (Lindane); Pyrethroids (Decamethrin); Carbamates (methomyl) and Organophosphorus (Malathion). These insecticides were tested at concentration range of (10-12–10-4 M).The first two compounds exert antilytic effect on both types of erythrocyte (RBCs) by preventing disruption of the membrane and increased its integrity in hypotonic solution. The order of effect was Decamethrin > Lindane. On the other hand, cell lysis was observed with the other two compounds with the order of effect, Malathion > methomyl. The latter effect was attributed to the disruption of the cell membrane by such insecticides.
Furthermore, the antilytic as well as lytic effects depend to large extent on the molar concentration of the insecticide.