Metabolic and Functional Characteristics of Red Blood Cells with Extreme Elevation of 2,3-Diphosphoglyceric Acid

摘要

Anticipating a possible role for transfusion of red cells with elevated concentrations of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) in certain clinical situations, the metabolic and functional properties of red cells with very high levels of 2,3-DPG have been investigated. The 2,3-DPG content of red cells was elevated by incubation with inosine, pyruvate, and phosphate (IPP) at both 37C and 4C. 2,3-DPG was found to be surprisingly stable, persisting at 5 x normal levels for 24 hours after removal of IPP. Glycolysis was markedly reduced, primarily by inhibition of hexokinase. The rate of deoxygenation of the red cells in the presence of dithionite is markedly increased. This effect has been shown to be mediated by the low intracellular pH induced by elevation of 2,3-DPG. In addition, a direct effect of 2,3-DPG ON DEOXYGENATION RATE AND THE Bohr effect of red cells has been demonstrated. (Author)