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Control of Membrane Permeability to Potassium in Red Blood Cells

Nature volume 219, page 610 (1968)Cite this article

Abstract

SODIUM and potassium concentrations in human red cells are controlled by the sodium pump, and if passive leaks exceed rates of active transport cells undergo colloid osmotic haemolysis. Because the sodium pump has a maximum rate1,2, passive permeability is also involved in regulating ionic composition. Is passive permeability, like active transport, related to the metabolic state of the cell ?

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of General Physiology, University of Leicester,

    R. WHITTAM

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  1. R. WHITTAM
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WHITTAM, R. Control of Membrane Permeability to Potassium in Red Blood Cells. Nature 219, 610 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1038/219610a0

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