Energy Reserve and Cation Composition of Irreversibly Sickled Cell in Vivo

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Abstract
Cation composition, cellular hydration and ATP content were measured in irreversible sickle cells (ISC) separated from the blood of patients with sickle cell anemia. Total monovalent cation (Na+ + K+) content was markedly reduced in ISC and this largely was due to cell K+ depletion. Corresponding to the reduced cation content, cells were dehydrated as indicated by a reduced mean cell volume. ISC also appeared to be grossly depleted of ATP. These biochemical characteristics allowed the definition of ISC to be expanded beyond morphologic characteristics. These chemical alterations provided a means for elucidating the mechanism of ISC production in vitro.