Potassium efflux : a simple method to determine intactness of erythrocytes

• Published in: Journal of the National Medical Association Vol. 82; no. 8; pp. 565 - 570
• Main Authors: GAMBHIR, K. K, AGARWAL, V. R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thorofare, NJ Slack 01.08.1990; National Medical Association
• Subjects: Adenosine Triphosphate - blood; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; cell membranes; Erythrocyte Membrane - metabolism; Erythrocytes - metabolism; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; hemoglobin; Hemoglobins - metabolism; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Middle Aged; potassium; Potassium Channels - metabolism; Reference Values; Temperature; Time Factors; Vertebrates: blood, hematopoietic organs, reticuloendothelial system; Human; Red blood cell; Exploration; Hemopathy; Cell line; Integrity
• ISSN: 0027-9684; 1943-4693

This article describes a simpler approach to checking the integrity of erythrocyte membrane and internal milieu of the human erythrocyte. Potassium (K+) and hemoglobin (Hb) effluxes were studied in erythrocytes incubated with buffer G (pH 7.4) at varying time intervals and temperatures. Potassium in the supernatant was measured by direct ion selective electrode method and Hb by cell counter following incubation for 0 to 3 hours at 4 degrees to 55 degrees C. Basal adenosine triphosphate levels were also determined during varying time intervals at 37 degrees, 50 degrees, and 55 degrees C. At 4 degrees, 25 degrees, and 37 degrees C, insignificant (P greater than .05) amounts of K+ and Hb were released; amounts were significantly higher (P less than .0005) after 2 hours of incubation at 45 degrees for K+ and 50 degrees C for Hb. After 30 minutes at 55 degrees C, maximum K+ and Hb concentrations were found in the supernatant; concentrations remained the same up to 3 hours. Basal levels of adenosine triphosphate in the erythrocytes decreased significantly with time at higher temperatures. We conclude that K+ efflux, being more sensitive than Hb and more erythrocyte concentration-dependent, can be used as an effective method to confirm the intactness or viability of red blood cells.