Temperature-dependent specificity of cis-trans isomeric fatty acid interaction with the erythrocyte membrane.

Stabilization of red cells against hypotonic haemolysis by cis-trans isomeric free C18 fatty acids occurs with pronounced specificity which is strongly temperature-dependent, but in a distinctly different manner for the two configurational isomers. Oleic acid (cis-18:1) stabilizes very efficiently at 0 degrees C, even at the highest concentrations. Elaidic acid (trans-18:1) causes neither stabilization nor haemolysis at this temperature. At room temperature (23 degrees C), elaidic acid acquires the ability to protect, without turning haemolytic at high concentrations. At 37 degrees C elaidic acid also becomes haemolytic. The protecting effect of oleic acid at 0 degrees C is the result of a rapid reaction. The characteristic, temperature-dependent specificity of cis-trans isomeric C18 fatty acid interaction with the red cell membrane appears to be a general phenomenon, since it was observed alike with erythrocytes of different species.