Comparative Effects of the Different Formed Elements on Normal Human Blood Glycolysis

Abstract
Erythrocytes were separated from the other formed elements by centrifugation and resuspended in their own plasma. Purified erythrocytes from 45 individuals gave an avg. glucose utilization of 35 mg./100 ml. cells/hr. in air at 38[degree]C. Whole biood sugar utilization was 5-10% higher, mostly due to the leukocytes. The WBC/RBC glycolytic activity ratio in normal human blood was 10-20 on a dry wt. basis. Estimates are presented on the relative glycolytic influence of platelets, leukocytes, reticulocytes and erythrocytes in terms of their volumes, mass and numbers.