THE IN VITRO METABOLISM OF ERYTHROCYTES FROM NEWBORN INFANTS

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Abstract
In the red blood cells of the newborn there is a rapid fall in non-hydrolyzable phosphate during in vitro incubation. This difference appears to be due to a decreased rate of synthesis of 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid in the erythrocyte of the newborn. In addition the incorporation of P32orthophosphate into the red blood cell is slower in the newborn than in the adult. During 4 °C storage of blood of adults and newborns there is a progressive fall in phosphate esters which is similar in both groups.The erythrocytes of the newborn contain more potassium and water than those of adults. During storage at 4 °C the cells of the newborn lose potassium more rapidly than those of the adult. This may be related to differences in membrane permeability.