Ceruloplasmin receptors of erythrocytes.

Mammalian erythrocytes have been shown to bind 125I labeled ceruloplasmin. Binding was reversible and specific. Scatchard analysis yielded linear plots with a Kd of approximately 5nM. The binding site appeared to be a protein located on the cell surface. A ceruloplasmin binding protein with a molecular weight of 60,000 daltons was isolated from human erythrocytes. Erythrocytes which were not protected by ceruloplasmin's antioxidant properties, did not bind ceruloplasmin. Our results provide evidence for the presence of ceruloplasmin receptors in the erythrocyte membrane. It is proposed that the antioxidant activity of ceruloplasmin may play a role in determining the lifespan of circulating red cells.