Altered Erythrocyte Cation Permeability in Familial Pseudohyperkalaemia

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Abstract
Erythrocyte cation transport pathways have been investigated in a family with pseudohyyperkalaemia. Ouabain- and bumetanide-resistant Na+ and K+ effluxes in three pseudohyperkalaemic patients were not different from those of control subjects when assessed at 37.degree. C. When the temperature was decreased to 20.degree. C and 9.degree. C, K+ passive permeability markedly increased and Na+ permeability remained unchanged in these patients. In contrast, in control subjects a reduction in temperature caused a marked reduction in Na+ and K+ passive permeability. These findings could account for the marked increase in plasma K+ concentration observed at subphysiological temperatures. The Na+-K+ co-transport pathway was reduced in all members of the family, but the Na+-K+ pump was reduced in only two of them. These alterations were independent from the pseudohyperkalaemic state.