Electrolytes (Na+ and K+) translocation in erythrocytes during iron deficiency in rats and humans.

During iron deficiency a significant (p less than 0.01) increase in erythrocyte Na+ in vivo was observed in both rats and humans. Erythrocyte K+ was down, but the effect was only significant (p less than 0.05) in rats, under this condition. However, erythrocyte Na+/K+ ratio was significantly (p less than 0.001) higher in iron deficiency when compared to normal values in both rats and humans. Although there was no significant (p greater than 0.05) correlation between Haemoglobin (Hb), Packed cell volume (PCV), Plasma Fe, and Total Iron Binding capacity (TIBC), and erythrocyte Na+ or K+ levels during iron deficiency, analysis of variance showed that Hb, PCV, Plasma Fe and TIBC in concert significantly (p less than 0.05) affected erythrocyte Na+ in iron-deficient rats and humans, whereas K+ was significantly (p less than 0.05) affected only in rats. These studies suggest a defect in erythrocyte membrane function during iron deficiency and imply a concerted potentiating effect of Hb, PCV, Plasma Fe and TIBC on erythrocyte membrane malfunction during iron deficiency. Species difference is also demonstrated in erythrocyte (Na+ and K+) translocation in iron deficiency.