Red blood cells: [formula omitted][formula omitted] site for transport and inactivation of biogenic amines in man and rats

Abstract

Red blood cell lysate contains catecholamines, octopamine and normetanephrine in various concentrations usually equal to or higher than respective plasma concentrations. During sympatho-adrenal activation an increase in plasma norepinephrine is associated with a simultaneous but smaller increase in lysate norepinephrine. The ratio of normetanephrine to norepinephrine is consistently higher in red cell lysate than in plasma. suggesting norepinephrine may be catabolized inside red cells. These data indicate a physiologically significant role for red blood cells in the disposition of peripheral amines and their metabolites.