Aging of the erythrocyte. 23. Changes in the permeation of spin-labeled electrolytes

The transport of spin-labeled anions and cations was studied in bovine erythrocyte fractions of various ages. Permeation of a spin-labeled anion, 3-carboxy-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidine-1-oxyl into the cells was found to be significantly slower in older cells, suggesting a functional impairment of the band 3 protein of the erythrocyte membrane during red cell aging in vivo.