Intravenous Infusion of Inosine in Man: Effect on Erythrocyte 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate Concentration and on Blood Oxygen Affinity

Abstract

Ten mmol each of inosine and inorganic phosphate were infused intravenously to two volunteers. The concentrations of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, fructose 1,6-diphosphate, and ATP in erythrocytes were analyzed during the infusion period (1 hour) and the following 24 hours. Fructose 1,6-diphosphate reached a maximal value four times the normal immediately after infusion. The concentration declined rapidly and was normal after one hour. The content of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate increased and decreased more slowly. The maximal value –- about 8% above the normal level of the individual –- was reached 3 hours after the infusion ended. The increase of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate concentration was too small to give a measurable right shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve. The fact that S-urate rose 0.3 mmol/l prevents further increase of the inosine dose. Pretreatment with allopurinol reduced the concentration changes of the erythrocyte metabolites.

Key Words:

• 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate
• erythrocytes
• fructose 1,6-diphosphate
• hemoglobin oxygen affinity
• inosine