CHARACTERISTICS OF ACTIVE SODIUM AND POTASSIUM TRANSPORT IN ERYTHROCYTES OF HEALTHY INFANTS AND CHILDREN

Abstract
Erythrocytes were analyzed for ATP (total and Na-K activated) activities, concentrations of Na and K ions and ATP in normal individuals from birth to adulthood age. A decrease of Na+, K+-ATPase activity and an increase of the Na concentration was seen in infants aged 1-3 and 4-8 mo. A decrease of Na+, K+-ATPase activity and the Na+-K+ ratio. Different influences which might lead to the observed changes in Na+, K+-ATPase activity and erythrocyte Na concentration are discussed.