Osmotic Resistance of Rat Erythrocytes in Hyperinsulinism and Streptozotocin-Diabetes as Compared with Cholesterol and Sialic Acid Contents of Erythrocyte Ghosts

Summary

The osmotic resistances of rat erythrocytes compared with the contents of some ghost constituents were studied in rats with normal insulin level, insulin deficiency (streptozotocin diabetes) and in hyperinsulinism. In streptozotocin diabetes rat erythrocytes a higher than control resistance to osmotic haemolysis was found. This was accompanied by and increased volume of erythrocytes, a lower yield of ghost isolation, higher cholesterol and lower than normal sialic acid contents. Insulin treatment of rats induced a lowered osmotic resistance of erythrocytes. This was connected with an increase in erythrocyte volume and yield of ghost isolation. Simultaneously a decrease in membrane cholesterol content of sialic acids were observed.

Key-Words:

Osmotic Resistance - Ghosts of Rat Erythrocyte - Streptozotocin Diabetes - Hyperinsulinism