[Potassium release from erythrocytes of different age rats in 9 simulated lactic acidosis]

The methods are described for determination of potassium content in erythrocytes by means of a K+ selective electrode, for evaluation of changes in potassium permeability through their membranes and for detection of the Na+, K+-ATPase contribution to spontaneous and induced cation release from cells. Preincubation of erythrocytes with 5 mM lactate has no effect on the potassium release rate and content in cells of young and adult rats. Under the effect of 25 mM lactate the rate of K+ release from erythrocytes of adult animals lowers and sensitivity to ouabaine of this process stimulated by valinomycin increases. The latter effect is less pronounced in erythrocytes of young rats and is accompanied by a rise in potassium total content in cells.