The influence of ammonia chloride in vitro on the energy metabolism of red blood cells in sheep.

The investigation concerned the influence of ammonia ion on fresh sheep erythrocytes incubated in a buffer containing glucose, phosphate and adenosine. It was observed that the addition of NH4Cl to sheep erythrocytes increased their glucose metabolism which was manifested in an increase of glucose uptake and lactate production and also a higher Hx, G-6-PD and LHD activity. The author suggests that the influence of the ammonia ion on sheep erythrocytes may be responsible for higher glucose transport across the cell membrane of sheep erythrocytes which, in turn, is a result of increased ATP concentration in these cells. GSH concentration and per cent content of methaemoglobin in the erythrocytes did not change markedly in this experiment. An increase in the energy level of the erythrocytes (ATP/ADP + AMP) and 2,3 DPG concentration was observed which may have a significant influence on the amount of oxygen released by the erythrocytes in the tissues.