Leukocyte electrolytes and sodium transport in protein energy malnutrition

Intracellular electrolytes and sodium transport were measured in leukocytes obtained from malnourished children. In the presence of edema, leukocyte sodium and potassium were raised. The total flux and the glycoside-sensitive portion were increased. Loss of edema was associated with reductions in all these measurements. In marasmus, glycoside-sensitive sodium efflux was reduced compared to recovered values. Sodium was increased and potassium reduced. It is concluded that at least two defects in sodium transport may occur in protein energy malnutrition, an increased passive permeability in kwashiorkor and a reduced active transport for sodium in marasmus.