The effect of 2,4,6-trinitro-m-cresol on cation and anion transport in sheep red blood cells.

2,4,6-Trinitro-3-methyl-phenol (trinitrocresol, H(+)TNC(-)) was found to inhibit anion and stimulate cation movements across the membranes of both high potassium (HK) and low potassium (LK) sheep red blood cells. The concentration of TNC(-) required to inhibit SO(4) (-) and Cl(-) efflux (10(-5)-10(-3)M) was less than that required to increase Na(+) and K(+) leakage (10(-3)-10(-2)M). Both the inhibition of anion and stimulation of cation permeation were reversed if TNC(-) was washed from the red cells. The cation leak caused by TNC(-) was much greater at 0 degrees and 37 degrees C than at room temperature (23 degrees C). In sheep red cells, TNC(-) was found to be about 20 times more effective than salicylate and about 40 times more effective than thiocyanate in increasing cation leak. TNC(-) also inhibited the ouabain-sensitive potassium influx.