Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Oxygen-Independent Assays to Measure Mitochondrial Function in Mammals
Published on: May 19, 2023
Oxygen-dependent ion transport in erythrocytes
A Bogdanova1, M Berenbrink, M Nikinmaa
1Institute of Veterinary Physiology and the Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Wintherturerstrasse 260, Zurich, Switzerland. annab@access.uzh.ch
Abstract:
The present contribution reviews current knowledge of apparently oxygen-dependent ion transport in erythrocytes and presents modern hypotheses on their regulatory mechanisms and physiological roles. In addition to molecular oxygen as such, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, regional variations of cellular ATP and hydrogen sulphide may play a role in the regulation of transport, provided that they are affected by oxygen tension. It appears that the transporter molecules themselves do not have direct oxygen sensors. Thus, the oxygen level must be sensed elsewhere, and the effect transduced to the transporter. The possible pathways involved in the regulation of transport, including haemoglobin as a sensor, and phosphorylation/dephosphorylation reactions both in the transporter and its upstream effectors, are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Oxygen Transport in the Blood
Electron Transport Chain Components
Electron Transport Chains
The ETC is comprised of...
Electron Transport Chain: Complex III and IV
Respiration and Gaseous Exchange
Respiration involves the exchange of gases, especially oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), between the alveoli and body cells, a process facilitated by blood circulation. As a result, the cardiovascular system, which involves the...
The Electron Transport Chain
Inhibitors of the electron transport chain
Rotenone, a widely used pesticide, prevents electron transfer from Fe-S cluster to ubiquinone or Q in...

