ABSTRACT
The membrane is subjected to stress, and the cell will eventually hemolyze. The information on osmotic permeability of erythrocyte membrane has been reviewed by R. I. Sha’afi. Two mechanisms for the permeation of water through erythrocyte membranes have been proposed. One model is based on the concept that the molecular motion of the hydrocarbon chains of membrane lipids generates structural defects through which water permeates. The second model assumes the presence of aqueous membrane channels or “pores” assembled from membrane-integral proteins which span the human red cell membrane. The principle of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NEM) method of measuring water exchange across membranes is described. The actual binding of p-Chloromercuribenzenesulfonate (PCMBS) to the membrane appears to be strongly dependent not only on the duration, but also upon the temperature of incubation of the erythrocytes and resealed ghosts. A relatively high concentration of NEM was used for preincubation of erythrocytes and resealed ghosts before and during the treatment with Hg-PCMBS.
