ALTERATIONS IN METABOLIC ENERGETICS AND CATION TRANSPORT DURING AGING OF RED CELLS

Abstract

Human red cells were separated by centrifugation into younger and older age fractions: the former showed higher glycolysis, high-energy phosphate compounds and enzyme activity (phosphohexose isomerase and aldolase). Phosphate esters of young cells were catabolized more rapidly in the absence of metabolizable sugars. Aldolase was indicated as a rate-limiting factor in erythrocyte glycolysis, while decreased adenosine triphosphate of old cells suggested limitation of hexokinase activity. Alterations in red cell glycolysis with age led to decreased available energy, and was associated with lessened active cation transport. Decreased glycolysis in the aged cell was postulated to alter membrane function and to lower erythrocytic resistance to destructive processes.