Abstract
The present contribution reviews current knowledge of apparently oxygen-dependent ion transport in erythrocytes and presents modern hypotheses on their regulatory mechanisms and physiological roles. In addition to molecular oxygen as such, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, regional variations of cellular ATP and hydrogen sulphide may play a role in the regulation of transport, provided that they are affected by oxygen tension. It appears that the transporter molecules themselves do not have direct oxygen sensors. Thus, the oxygen level must be sensed elsewhere, and the effect transduced to the transporter. The possible pathways involved in the regulation of transport, including haemoglobin as a sensor, and phosphorylation/dephosphorylation reactions both in the transporter and its upstream effectors, are discussed.
Highlights
The major function of erythrocytes is to transport oxygen from the environment to the sites of consumption
In addition to molecular oxygen as such, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, regional variations of cellular ATP and hydrogen sulphide may play a role in the regulation of transport, provided that they are affected by oxygen tension
We took the risk of being rather speculative to give suggestions on the regulatory mechanisms and function of oxygen-sensitive ion transporters in red cells to complement the largely descriptive data on erythrocytes and the data on the actual mechanisms of oxygen sensitivity obtained in other cells types
Summary
The major function of erythrocytes is to transport oxygen from the environment to the sites of consumption. Changes in oxygen tension in turn can control the activity of ion transporters (Gibson et al, 2000), which are involved in maintenance of cellular volume and pH (Nikinmaa, 1992). While oxygen-dependent ion transport in erythrocytes has been investigated for several decades it has earlier been reviewed only by Gibson et al (Gibson et al, 2000). The present contribution focuses on recent findings regarding the properties and regulation of oxygen-sensitive ion transport in erythrocytes, since much new information has become available during 2000’s. In addition to summarising recent advances in the field we take the opportunity to present our views on the possible role of factors, which have not earlier been considered in connection with apparently oxygen-dependent ion transport. Our aim is that in addition to just reviewing the existing information, the hypotheses/suggestions that we make may stimulate new studies which may either confirm the suggestions or indicate that they are faulty
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
