The charged groups at the interface of some blood cells

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Abstract
An attempt has been made to characterize the anion and cation groups contributing to the electrokinetic potential on the surface of certain blood cells, models and other particles. The method involved the determination of the sequence or spectrum of various cations in their ability to reverse the charge of the cells and models in the presence of 0.145 M NaCl solution. Actual mobilities expressed as [mu]second-1v-lcm-1 were determined at values between pH 2 and 10. In contrast with lymphocytes, phosphatide models and plasma-coated glass particles, neither the erythrocyte nor polymorphonuclear leucocyte exhibited a true isoelectric point. The erythrocyte, however, differs markedly from the polymorphonuclear leucocyte with respect to the effect of UO2++ ions on its mobility. By comparison with known model systems it was concluded that the dominant group on the erythrocyte was a phosphate whereas that on the polymorphonuclear leucocyte was a carboxyl. The cation spectra for lymphocytes and platelets are similar to one another and resemble that of a suspension of egg lecithin. It is suggested that the dominant groups are both phosphate and amine. Some carboxyl groups may also be present on the platelet. The surface of plasma-treated glass resembles the amine surface of a platelet in many respects. Cation bridging between carboxyl surfaces is proposed as an important factor in the sticking and phagocytic reactions of blood cells.