Changes in erythrocyte membrane ouabain-sensitive adenosine triphosphatase after renal transplantation

Abstract

1. Intracellular electrolytes, and erythrocyte membrane adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity, was studied in twenty patients after renal transplantation. 2. The mean ouabain-sensitive ATPase activity in the erythrocyte membranes of the transplant patients was 122 nmol of inorganic phosphorus (Pi) h-1 mg of tissue-1 (SEM 14), compared with 62 nmol of Pi h-1 mg of tissue-1 (SEM 8) in a group of paired, healthy controls. 3. The increase in ouabain-sensitive ATPase was most marked in the 4 months after transplantation. However, a significant increase in ouabain-sensitive ATPase persisted for more than 8 months after transplantation. 4. This increase in ouabain-sensitive ATPase was associated with a decrease in intracellular sodium in the erythrocytes of the transplant patients.