Changes in the lipid composition of red blood cells in hyperglycemic rats

The effects of hyperglycemia (experimental diabetes) and insulin treatment were studied on cholesterol and total as well as individual components of phospholipids in red cell membrane from adult rats. While total phospholipid content did not change significantly, the individual components were selectively affected. Cholesterol content was reduced markedly during hyperglycemia. Insulin administration to hyperglycemic rats in general appeared to cause a reversal of the diabetic effects. A direct action of insulin on the red cell phospholipids and cholesterol metabolism was observed.