Phosphate compounds in the erythrocytes of newborns with haemolytic disease.

The following nucleotides and phosphate compounds ADP, ATP, AXP, 2,3-DPG, HMP and hdp were estimated chromatographically in the acid-soluble fraction of erythrocytes. In each of the fractions, total phosphorus and in fraction II, inorganic phosphorus was determined. Comparison of these compounds assayed in erythrocytes of 10 newborns with haemolytic disease and in 10 healthy newborns revealed that in the affected babies, the level of the substances investigated was higher. According to the author's theory, this difference results from increased energy metabolism of the defective erythrocyte as a defense mechanism against the harmful effects of this severe disease such as chronic hypoxia, injuring antibody action or toxicity of the erythrocyte haemolysis products.