Promotion of hexadecyltrimethyleamine bromide to the damage of Alexandrium sp. LC3 by cupric glutamate

The effect of hexadecyltrimethyleamine bromide (HDTMAB) on the removal of Alexandrium sp. LC3 under cupric glutamate stress was investigated. Toxic effect of cupric glutamate on Alexandrium sp. LC3 was significantly promoted in the presence of HDTMAB, especially at 3.0 cmc of HDTMAB. It was found that the sulfhydryl group content of the cell decreased, while the malonaldehyde content and membrane permeability increased when Alexandrium sp. LC3 was treated with HDTMAB and cupric glutamate complex, compared with cupric glutamate alone. The data suggest that HDTMAB might stimulate the damage of Alexaundrium sp. LC3 by enhancing the membrane permeability.