The influence of the ammonium ion and adenosine on glucose metabolism in preserved human erythrocytes.

Human erythrocytes, preserved for 21-25 days in ACD fluid were incubated in buffers containing glucose, phosphates, pyruvate, adenine, various concentrations of adenosine and an addition of NH4Cl. The ammonium ion produced an increase in glucose utilization by the erythrocytes and raised their energetic state (ATP/ADP+AMP), concentration of 2,3 DPG and activity of PK. A significant influence of this ion on the levels of GSH and methaemoglobin was not demonstrated. Increasing the amount of adenosine in incubation fluids produced an effect analogous to that of the ammonium ion. It is possible that the action of adenosine in regenerating fluids is caused partially by the ammonium ion released during its deamination. This suggests the possibility of applying added NH4Cl in the regeneration process of preserved human erythrocytes.