[Effect of sterols on erythrocyte membrane properties in experimental rickets].

Experimental rickets in rats was accompanied by a distinct increase in content of cholesterol and its esters, scvalene, lanosterol and 7-dehydrocholesterol in erythrocyte membranes with simultaneous decrease in content of total phospholipids. The alterations in lipid composition of erythrocyte membranes led to an increase in osmotic stability, to a decrease in glucose utilization and 45Ca incorporation into the erythrocytes. Acidic erythrogramms indicated an appearance in circulation of erythrocytes resistent to the effect of acidic hemolytics. Content of all the sterols studied was decreased in erythrocyte membranes after administration of liposomes into animals with experimental rickets; this demonstrates the relationship between the properties of the arythrocytes and sterole composition of their membranes. Incubation of erythrocytes with liposomes containing cholesterol or free from cholesterol caused a decrease or accumulation of cholesterol in the cell, respectively.