Abstract
Summary
Characteristics of a model for the study of diffusional movement in human red blood cells have been examined. Tracer influx of sodium was accelerated in red cells with high internal sodium content. This occurred both in fresh and stored human red blood cells. These results were not due to an alteration in electrical potential across the red blood cell membrane and uptake of a non-polar tracer was not enhanced by high internal sodium content. The data seem best explained by an exchange diffusion process.
I am grateful to Professor R. Whittam for suggesting the model and to both Professor Whittam and Dr. Neal S. Bricker for reviewing this manuscript. Mr. Foster Harris provided valuable technical assistance. This work was supported by U.S. Public Health Service Grant No. AM 14586-01.
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