Sulfhydryl oxidation and activation of red cell K(+)-Cl- cotransport in the transgenic SAD mouse

L De Franceschi1, Y Beuzard, C Brugnara

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Italy.

Insights

Mouse erythrocytes with human SAD hemoglobin show dehydration and increased K(+)-Cl- cotransport. This suggests sulfhydryl oxidation activates this transport in SAD hemoglobin red blood cells.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • The SAD mouse model expresses human sickle cell disease (SCD) hemoglobin (Hb SAD), which has increased polymerization tendency due to Antilles and D Punjab mutations.
  • Understanding red blood cell (RBC) cation transport is crucial for SCD pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate monovalent cation transport in erythrocytes of SAD-1 and beta-thal/SAD-1 mice.
  • To elucidate the role of K(+)-Cl- cotransport in SAD hemoglobin-expressing erythrocytes.

Main Methods:

  • Erythrocytes from SAD-1 and beta-thal/SAD-1 mice were analyzed for cation transport.
  • K(+)-Cl- cotransport was characterized by Cl(-)-dependent, okadaic acid-sensitive K+ efflux.
  • Effects of staurosporine and dithiothreitol (DTT) on K(+)-Cl- cotransport were assessed.

Main Results:

  • SAD erythrocytes exhibited dehydration and increased Na(+)-K+ pump activity.
  • K(+)-Cl- cotransport was significantly increased in SAD erythrocytes.
  • Volume regulatory decrease via K(+)-Cl- cotransport was enhanced in swollen SAD erythrocytes.
  • DTT treatment normalized elevated K(+)-Cl- cotransport in SAD erythrocytes, indicating reversible sulfhydryl oxidation.

Conclusions:

  • Erythrocytes expressing human Hb SAD display altered cation transport, including enhanced K(+)-Cl- cotransport.
  • Reversible sulfhydryl oxidation contributes to the activation of K(+)-Cl- cotransport in SAD hemoglobin red blood cells.
  • These findings provide insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying SAD hemoglobin pathophysiology.