Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in erythrocytes in sheep and goats.

Abstract

MUCH evidence indicates that the electrolyte concentration in human red cells is dependent on glucose metabolism, as recently confirmed by Heimann-Hollaender et al.1. In 1960 Carson2 mentioned in passing that the erythrocytes of 5 sheep were found to be 'primaquine sensitive' which meant that they were deficient in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-P D) activity. It has long been known3 that the erythrocyte electrolyte concentration differs in different animals, and that sheep may either have low (LK) or high (HK) potassium content in their red blood cells (R.B.C.). We have explored the possibility of a relationship between the G-6-P D activity and the electrolyte concentration in red cells of different species.