On the Mechanism of Osmotic Protection of Erythrocytes. I. Model of Osmometer

Authors

  • S. V. Rudenko Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kharkov
  • E. M. Shchetinina V.N.Karazin Kharkov National University, Kharkov
  • E. L. Volovelskaya Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kharkov

Keywords:

erythrocytes, hypotonic hemolysis, osmotic protection, osmotic behavior

Abstract

The properties of simple model of osmotic balance in erythrocytes involving the contributions of intracellular electrolytes and non-ideal osmotic properties of hemoglobin were investigated. Analyzing this model we suggested two mechanisms that may take part in the rise of erythrocyte resistance to hypotonic media induced by different agents. One mechanism is associated with protecting release of intracellular electrolytes, in particular, chloride anions, the second one is associated with the change of intracellular osmolarity presumably due to degradation of hemoglobin tetramers into dimers with a simultaneous redistribution of intracellular electrolytes. The ways for experimental testing of the suggested mechanisms have been shown.

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Published

2011-12-19

How to Cite

Rudenko, S. V., Shchetinina, E. M., & Volovelskaya, E. L. (2011). On the Mechanism of Osmotic Protection of Erythrocytes. I. Model of Osmometer. Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine, 21(4), 377–385. Retrieved from https://journal.cryo.org.ua/index.php/probl-cryobiol-cryomed/article/view/109

Issue

Section

Theoretical and Experimental Cryobiology