Interactive Dynamics of Cell Volume and Cell Death in Human Erythrocytes Exposed to α-Hemolysin from Escherichia coli

α-hemolysin (HlyA) of E. coli binds irreversibly to human erythrocytes and induces cell swelling, ultimately leading to hemolysis. We characterized the mechanism involved in water transport induced by HlyA and analyzed how swelling and hemolysis might be coupled. Osmotic water permeability (P) was assessed by stopped-flow light scattering. Preincubation with HlyA strongly reduced P in control- and aquaporin 1-null red blood cells, although the relative P decrease was similar in both cell types. The dynamics of cell volume and hemolysis on RBCs was assessed by electrical impedance, light dispersion and hemoglobin release. Results show that HlyA induced erythrocyte swelling, which is enhanced by purinergic signaling, and is coupled to osmotic hemolysis. We propose a mathematical model of HlyA activity where the kinetics of cell volume and hemolysis in human erythrocytes depend on the flux of osmolytes across the membrane, and on the maximum volume that these cells can tolerate. Our results provide new insights for understanding signaling and cytotoxicity mediated by HlyA in erythrocytes.