Studies of pyruvate-water isotope exchange catalysed by erythrocytes and proteins

Abstract
Erythrocyte [from humans] suspensions in buffer made with 2H2O catalyze the exchange of pyruvate protons. This process can be easily observed by using spin-echo PMR. The dominant exchange process is due to the formation of Schiff-base links between pyruvate and amino groups of Hb. Other proteins with free .alpha.-amino groups also catalyze the exchange. The pH*[uncorrected pH meter reading]-dependence of the exchange rate due to hen-egg-white-lysozyme reflects the dissociation of the .alpha.-amino group.