[Effect of intracellular ATP on La(3+)-induced aggregation and fusion of human erythrocytes].

The influence of intracellular ATP level on the aggregation and fusion of human erythrocytes, induced by La3+ in the concentration range 20-330 microM was studied. The aggregation of intact red blood cells differs from that of cells with increased and decreased contents of ATP. Incubation of erythrocyte aggregates at 37 degrees C did not lead to cell fusion. At the same time, incubation of erythrocyte aggregates with decreased and increased ATP contents in the presence of La3+ induced a pronounced cell fusion.