[Electrical breakdown of erythrocyte membranes attributed to the diffusion potential difference]

A potential difference of a certain value can be obtained on the erythrocyte membranes if the cells are suspended in isotonic solution of low Cl- concentration. The potential value may be estimated by the pH changes in the medium without buffer. When the chloride membrane potential is high enough the electric breakdown, i.e. a sharp increase i of membrane ionic permeability, is observed.