K-Na EXCHANGE ACCOMPANYING THE PROLYTIC LOSS OF K FROM HUMAN RED CELLS

Abstract

In systems containing human red cells and sodium taurocholate as a lysin, or distearyl lecithin as a sphering agent, the prolytic loss of K at 25°C. is accompanied by a gain of Na by the cell, the gain being somewhat greater than the K loss. A small volume increase accompanies the exchange. The kinetics of the K loss and the Na gain are similar to those already described; i.e., the changes are rapid at first, and slow down so that after 12 to 20 hours it appears that a new steady state is being approached.