Changes in fluidity of erythrocyte membranes after storage of erythrocytes and regeneration of cellular ATP level.

The membrane fluidity of freshly collected human erythrocytes, of erythrocytes stored for 3-4 weeks and of stored erythrocytes rejuvenated with glucose and inosine was investigated by measuring polarization of fluorescence emission of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene and N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine. The fluidity of membranes prepared from stored erythrocytes was higher than that of fresh erythrocytes. After rejuvenation of erythrocytes with glucose and with or without inosine the membrane fluidity decreased. These changes were probably due to variations of ATP levels in the erythrocytes.