ERYTHROCYTE-MEMBRANE PLAQUES FROM RATS WITH MAGNESIUM-DEFICIENCY

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 49  (4) , 657-664
Abstract
The anemia of dietary Mg deficiency in inbred Fisher white rats was studied using freeze-fracture EM. The plasma membranes of erythrocytes from animals receiving 2 different Mg-deficient and control diets were observed at weekly or biweekly intervals for 6 wk. The earliest changes were small plaques on the external surface (ES) and fracture face (PF) of erythrocyte plasma membranes, which occurred after 2 wk of either Mg-deficient diet. These plaques persisted and increased in size with progressive Mg deficiency. When fully developed, the plaques consisted of round or oval elevations approximately 30-50 nm in diameter outlined by a narrow raised border. The surface of the plaques was smooth and devoid of intramembranous particles. Incubation of erythrocytes from Mg-deficient rats in a physiologic solution containing 2 meq/l Mg for 1 h at 37.degree. C did not alter the appearance of the plaques. Erythrocytes from control rats, obtained during the same time periods, showed no plaques. A deficiency of Mg in rats altered erythrocyte membrane structure.