Untersuchungen über die Digitonin-Hämolyse

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Abstract
Studies with the electron microscope show that the blood erythrocyte is enclosed in a membrane, which consists of a framework of long threadlike protein elements, and in which lipids, essentially cholesterol and lecithin, are embedded. The digitonin hemolysis is characterized by a reaction between the cholesterol of the erythrocyte and the saponin. If an erythrocyte suspension (1:10) is added drop-wise to a 0.01% isotonic digitonin soln. of known vol., hemolysis finally ceases due to the combination of the digitonin with the erythrocytes. From the amt. of erythrocyte suspension added, the cholesterol content of the erythrocytes can be calculated. The mg. % cholesterol for erythrocytes are, respectively: man, 60-80; rabbit, 30-50; sheep, about 60; dog, about 80. The results obtained agree well with the cholesterol conc. detd. by the gravimetric method. Studies with the electron microscope show that the red cell membrane is decomposed by the digitonin and the Hb is liberated. Other saponins act in the same manner as digitonin.

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