Enhanced glucose consumption in erythrocytes under mechanical stress

In this paper we study the question of whether the unique features of erythrocyte (biconcave shape, extremely high deformability etc.) result only from the specific structural characteristics of the membrane or whether the maintenance of these features is conditioned by the supply of chemical energy. It is shown that glucose, the main source of cell energy, is consumed at a markedly increased rate when there is appreciable mechanical stress of the cell. This observation supports the hypothesis that there is utilization of chemical energy for the mechanical needs of the membrane.