OSMOTIC PROPERTIES OF THE ERYTHROCYTE

Abstract

Equations are derived for predicting the relation between the time required for osmotic hemolysis and the concn. of a surrounding hypotonic medium. It is shown that when allowance is made for certain known peculiarities of the erythrocyte, the rate of hemolysis is, on the whole, in fairly good agreement with osmotic laws. Reasons are given for believing that the increased osmotic resistance of the erythrocyte that develops within a few seconds in solns. of non-electrolytes is not caused by a leakage of salts from the cell but rather by a changed ionic equilibrium in which the normal impermeability of the cell to cations need not be lost. Rough quantitative estimates are made of the permeabilitv of the erythrocytes of the ox and of man to water.