Bilirubin Binding by Human Erythrocytes

Abstract

Erythrocytic binding of bilirubin was investigated by incubating the cells in solutions containing bilirubin and albumin. Bilirubin bound by the cells was then eluted with a solution of albumin. At low bilirubin concentrations the binding of bilirubin by red cells was influenced by both the total bilirubin concentration and the molar bilirubin/albumin ratio. At bilirubin concentrations above approx. 200 μmol/1, the red cell binding of bilirubin was mainly dependent on the molar bilirubin/albumin ratio. Immunized erythrocytes did not differ significantly from normal cells in their ability to bind bilirubin. Determination of erythrocyte-bound bilirubin may be of clinical significance in cases of neonatal jaundice.