Ca2+-dependent aggregation and permeabilization of erythrocytes by ω-hydroxypalmitic and α, ω-hexadecandioic acids

Abstract

This paper presents the data and describes the Ca2+-dependent effect of the products of ω-oxidation of palmitic acid, as well as ω-hydroxypalmitic and α, ω-hexadecandioic acids, on rat erythrocytes. It is shown that in the presence of Ca2+ these acids induce aggregation of erythrocytes, which is accompanied by a reduction in the number of single cells in suspension. As well, a release of K+ from the cells occurs, which indicates the permeabilization of the plasma membrane. However, ω-hydroxypalmitic and α, ω-hexadecandioic acids are inferior to palmitic acid in their ability to induce Ca2+-dependent erythrocyte permeabilization. Bovine serum albumin and blood serum inhibit the effects of palmitic acid. At the same time, the influence of these agents on the effects of ω-hydroxypalmitic and α, ω-hexadecandioic acids appears to be much weaker. It is shown that ω-hydroxypalmitic and α, ω-hexadecandioic acids in the presence of Ca2+ induce an increase in the hydrodynamic diameter of single-walled lecithin liposomes, which indicates their fusion and (or) aggregation. The mechanisms of ω-hydroxypalmitic acid/Ca2+- and α, ω-hexadecandioic acid/Ca2+-induced effects on rat erythrocytes are discussed.