OSMOTIC PROPERTIES OF THE ERYTHROCYTE

Abstract

The observation of previous investigators that narcotic substances in proper concentrations tend to reduce the degree of hemolysis produced by hypotonic solutions is confirmed in the case of several urethanes. In exps. in which "rate" arid "equilibrium" factors are properly separated, a slight but measurable retardation of the rate of osmotic hemolysis may be produced by low concentrations of urethanes. The possible nature of the mechanism of this retardation, which may perhaps in part involve a decreased permeability of the cell to water, is discussed.