Decreased amino acid uptake by erythrocytes during postoperative sepsis

We describe a patient with postoperative sepsis associated with reduced ability to transport amino acids into erythrocytes. Administration of amino acid infusion showed no effect on plasma or red blood cell concentrations of the amino acids during the sepsis period. However, when the site of sepsis was removed, patient recovery was associated with marked increases of all amino acids, particularly in the red blood cells. The case illustrates the potential of red blood cells as a marker of amino acid utilization and demonstrates the association of sepsis with effects on cellular uptake.