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Comparative nuclear magnetic resonance studies on water diffusional permeability of red blood cells from mice and
1Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Abstract:
1. The diffusional water permeability (P) of mouse and rat red blood cell (RBC) membrane has been monitored by a doping nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique on control cells and following exposure to various concentrations of p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate (PCMBS). 2. There were no significant differences in the water permeability of mouse and rat RBCs, the values of P being around 6 x 10(-3)/sec at 20 degrees C and 11 x 10(-3) cm/sec at 37 degrees C. 3. Systematic studies of the effects of PCMBS on water diffusion indicated that the maximal inhibition is reached in 60 min at 20 degrees C with 1 mM PCMBS for the mouse RBCs and with 2 mM PCMBS for the rat RBCs. 4. The values of maximal inhibition ranged from 55-57% at 37 degrees C and reached values around 70% at 10 degrees C. 5. The degree of inhibition increased as the temperature of measurement decreased, regardless of PCMBS concentration and incubation time. 6. The basal permeability to water of mouse RBCs was estimated as 1.8 x 10(-3) cm/sec at 20 degrees C and 4.6 x 10(-3) cm/sec at 37 degrees C, and that of rat RBCs as 2.2 x 10(-3) cm/sec at 20 degrees C and 4.2 x 10(-3) cm/sec at 37 degrees C. 7. In both species the activation energy was around 27 kJ/mol and reached values over 40 kJ/mol after incubation with PCMBS in the conditions of maximal inhibition of water diffusion.
Insights
Mouse and rat red blood cell (RBC) water permeability was measured using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate (PCMBS) inhibited water diffusion, with inhibition increasing at lower temperatures.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Membrane Transport
Background:
- Red blood cells (RBCs) are crucial for oxygen transport.
- Understanding RBC membrane water permeability is vital for physiological studies.
- p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate (PCMBS) is a known inhibitor of water channels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the diffusional water permeability (P) of mouse and rat RBC membranes.
- To investigate the effects of PCMBS on RBC water permeability.
- To determine the temperature-dependent inhibition of water transport by PCMBS.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a doping nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique to monitor water diffusion.
- Exposed control and treated mouse and rat RBCs to various concentrations of PCMBS.
- Measured water permeability at different temperatures (10°C, 20°C, and 37°C).
Main Results:
- No significant differences in basal water permeability (P) were observed between mouse and rat RBCs.
- PCMBS significantly inhibited water diffusion, with maximal inhibition occurring at 60 minutes.
- Inhibition increased as temperature decreased, reaching ~70% at 10°C, and activation energy increased post-PCMBS treatment.
Conclusions:
- Mouse and rat RBCs exhibit similar water permeability characteristics.
- PCMBS effectively inhibits RBC water transport, with temperature-dependent efficacy.
- The study provides insights into the biophysical properties of RBC membranes and water transport mechanisms.