PH-dependent behavior of erythrocyte membrane elevations. II Occurrence in moderate acidemic and alkalemic conditions

Changes of the number of red cell membrane elevations revealed by freeze-etch electron microscopy are pH-dependent in vitro and in vivo. In healthy volunteers a decrease of the number of red cell surfaces with elevations was observed under moderate acidemic and alkalemic conditions. These changes were different in patients with Huntington's chorea and affective psychotic disorders. Elevations of the red cell membrane with the same diameter can be demonstrated in ultrathin sections, if sodium azide is added during the fixation procedure.