INCREASED CALCIUM PERMEABILITY OF COLD-STORED ERYTHROCYTES

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 60  (1) , 92-98
Abstract
The Ca, Na, and Mg permeability of [human] erythrocytes from blood stored at 4.degree. C in various anticoagulant media was studied and compared to that of fresh erythrocytes. Passive influx of Ca2+ was measured at 37.degree. C in cells pretreated to abolish Ca2+ pumping and was up to 5-fold greater for cold-stored erythrocytes than for fresh cells. The Ca2+ leakiness developed gradually after day 2 and reached a maximum by day 7 of cold storage in ACD [acid citrate dextrose], CPD [citrate dextrose phosphate], CPD-adenine or heparin anticoagulants. The total Ca content of cold-stored erythrocytes in ACD was not significantly different from that of fresh erythrocytes. When cold-stored erythrocytes were reincubated at 37.degree. C in media containing 1.5 mM ionized Ca and substrates to regenerate ATP, a net gain of Ca2+ occurred that was greater for stored than for fresh erythrocytes. Cold storage of blood for up to 6 wk in any anticoagulant did not alter either Na or Mg permeability. Red cell ATP was also measured and fell steadily during cold storage in ACD or CPD, but more slowly in CPD-adenine medium. Since a several-fold increase in Ca2+ permeability preceded any significant change in red cell ATP, it is likely that a selective Ca leak develops independently of the fall in ATP concentration that occurs on cold storage.

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