Membrane abnormalities of pyruvate kinase deficient red cells

Two experimental systems have been applied to the study of PK-deficient red cells in an attempt to reveal possible membrane abnormalities of these erythrocytes: (1) the glycoprotein self-digestion of intact erythrocytes during in vitro incubation at 37 degrees C; (2) the red cell sensitivity to the lytic action of mouse macrophages. PK-deficient erythrocytes display a more precocious than normal membrane glycoprotein self-digestion and are much more susceptible than normal to the cytotoxic activity of mouse macrophages. This latter effect is more pronounced in young than in old PK-deficient red cells. These observations indicate the existence of membrane abnormality in PK-deficient red cells other than those so far suspected.