Chemical modification of proteins involved in the permeability of the erythrocyte membrane to ions.

Abstract

A number of general considerations are applicable to the action of chemical agents on membrane functions (7, 11): a) It is self evident but important that chemical agents act from the outside toward the inside of the cell. The membrane, and particularly its outer surface, is the first site of action. With slowly penetrating agents the sequence of interactions from outside in, and of their related effects, can be followed as a function of time. b) Which membrane ligands will react with any given agent depends not only on their chemical reactivities but also on their location in the membrane and the ability of the agent to diffuse to their vicinity. c) This paper is based on work performed under contract with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission at the University of Rochester Atomic Energy Project and has been assigned Report No. UR-3490-1.