Calcium Ionophore (A23187) Differential Effect on Red Cells from Pre and Postnatal Haemopoiesis

Abstract

Differences in ionic transport mechanisms through human red cell membranes from pre and postnatal haemopoietic stages of development have been related. The analysis of calcium-sensitive conductive potassium pathways [K + (Ca 2+)] was realized from intracellular calcium level increase after treatment of cells with ionophores. The effect of calcium ionophore (A 23187) on potassium transport in human neonatal red cells (nRC) was studied and compared with red cells from adults (aRC). Analysis focused on intra/extracellular potassium redistribution and potassium conductance [K + (Ca 2+)] values in incubated red cells suspensions. A difference was observed between neonatal and adult' red cells only for the first of the parameters referred to. Conductance values of the same order of magnitude for these potassium transport pathways between both cell types suggest that the results presented could rest on different [K + (Ca 2+)] cellular density.