[ATPase activity of erythrocytic membrane and intraerythrocytic ionic levels in pregnancy with intrahepatic cholestasis].

To study the relationship between lithocholic acid and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), the ATPase activity of erythrocytic membrane and intraerythrocytic ionic levels were determined in 24 non-pregnant women, 38 normal pregnant women and 34 gravida with ICP. The activities of Na(+)-K+ ATPase, Ca++ ATPase and Mg++ ATPase of the membrane were found significantly lower in ICP group than in the controls. Intraerythrocytic Na+ and Ca++ levels were higher and Mg++ was significantly lower in ICP group than in the controls, and K+ showed no difference among the three groups. A negative correlation existed between lithocholic acid level and the activity of ATPase (Na(+)-K+, Ca++). The conclusion is that the high levels of lithocholic acid affected the morphology and function of the red blood cells.