Effect of Inorganic Phosphate and of Drugs Affecting Renal Uric Acid Excretion Upon Transport of Uric Acid Through the Human Erythrocyte Membrane

Abstract

In previous publications it has been shown that the transport of uric acid through the human erythrocyte membrane is different from simple diffusion.

In the present work it is shown that inorganic phosphate is able to accelerate the transport of uric acid through the red cell membrane. This acceleration is not due to an increased distribution space for uric acid in the cells. To investigate whether the transport of purines gave rise to an increased transport of phosphate, the transport of labelled phosphate was followed under the influence of hypoxanthine and adenine. These substances were without effect on the transport of phosphate.

The influx of uric acid into the erythrocytes was not affected by probenecid, salicylic acid and pyrazinamide, all of which are known to have a marked influence on the renal transport of uric acid.

The possible explanations for the above findings are descussed.