Membrane Expansion and Pre-Lytic Potassium Leak in Hypotonically Stressed Erythrocytes,
Abstract
Red cells suspended in hypotonic solutions of sugars, sugar alcohols, sulfate, phosphate or citrate salts, polyvinylpyrrolidone or hydroxyethyl starch do not hemolyze until the osmolality is reduced to less than 70 millismoles (compared to 170 for NaCl) provided a penetrating electrolyte such as ammonium or trimethylammonium chloride or acetate is present. Cells in NaCl begin to hemolyze at a volume of about 130 micrometers, whereas cells in the above solutions lose neither hemoglobin nor potassium until they reach about 150 micrometers. With further reduction in osmolality, potassium is progressively lost while the cell volume continues to increase. Hemolysis is first seen when mean intracellular K is reduced to about 50% and cell volume has reached about 180 micrometers. One common factor among the diverse compounds causing this effect is their capacity for macromolecular stabilization presumed to be through their effect on water structure around nonpolar groups. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0746847
Entities
People
- Harold T. Meryman