Preparation and characterization of hormone-sensitive, resealed erythrocyte ghosts

A method for preparing resealed turkey erythrocyte ghosts is described which utilizes hypotonic lysis and resealing following restoration of isotonicity. The resealed ghosts are isolated above 55% sucrose. The resealed ghosts are shown to be capable of maintaining high intracellular K+ concentrations in the presence of a low K+ extracellular environment. When ATP and an ATP-regenerating system are included during the resealing stage, (R)-(-)-epinephrine- and NaF-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation, which is linear for 20 min, can be demonstrated. The concentration of (R)-(-)-epinephrine producing a half-maximal response in resealed ghosts is 1.0 +/- 0.4 X 10(-6) M. This is the same as that for (R)-(-)-epinephrine in the intact erythrocyte. The resealed ghosts are impermeable to Ca2+, but Ca2+ inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation is noted if the divalent cation ionophore. A-23187, is present or if Ca2+ is included during the resealing stage.