Abstract
Erythrocytes from Plasmodium berghei-infected mice on incubation either in plasma or artificial isotonic media showed an increase in uptake of 45Ca 2+ compared with erythrocytes from uninfected mice. Infected cells (55% parasitaemia) incubated in plasma from normal or infected mice gave uptake rates of 9.8 and 8.1 nmol h −1 per 10 10 cells, assuming equilibrium between added 45Ca 2+ and plasma Ca 2+. Uptake rates of erythrocytes from infected mice were increased in the presence of glucose, with a rate of 15.0 nmol h −1 per 10 10 cells (52–58% parasitaemia) at 5 mM glucose, compared with 1.5 nmol h −1 per 10 10 cells in the absence of glucose. The enhancement of 45Ca 2+ uptake was more pronounced with increasing parasitaemia, and in the fraction relatively enriched with erythrocytes carrying mature parasites. It is likely, therefore, that the enhancement is due to changes in membrane permeability accompanying parasite development. Enhanced haemolysis accompanied 45Ca 2+ uptake of erythrocytes carrying mature parasites, but not of those carrying young parasites or uninfected erythrocytes. The possible role of an altered Ca 2+ status in erythrocyte pathophysiology during malarial infection is discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
