Evidence for imbalanced furosemide-sensitive Na+, K+ cotransport in hereditary stomatocytosis

The red cells from 5 related patients with hereditary stomatocytosis were investigated. Maximal rate constant of Na+ passive permeability was increased while that of K+ passive permeability was nearly normal. Ouabain-sensitive Na+ efflux was elevated. The Na+ component of furosemide-sensitive Na+, K+ cotransport was also increased. However, its K+ component, determined in 2 patients, remained within normal limits, thus departing from the strict 1:1 stoichiometry of the Na+, K+ cotransport system. Yet, intracellular Na+ and K+ concentrations displayed limited and inconstant changes. A variety of abnormally-shaped cells, including stomatocytes, were observed in scanning electron micrographs. Upon differential centrifugation, reticulocytes usually concentrated in the most dense region of the gradient. Red cell deformability, as studied by ektacytometry, was reduced. Membrane phosphatidylcholines and sphingomyelins were increased and decreased, respectively, where-as fatty acid distribution was unchanged. Membrane microviscosity was normal.