The effect of propranolol on the osmotic fragility of red cells and liposomes and the influence of the drug on glycerol transport across the membrane of red cells

Abstract

Propranolol has been found to have different effects on the stability of red-cell membranes and model phospholipid membranes (liposomes). Its effect on red-cell membranes is biphasic. At lower concentrations the drug protects the cells from hypotonic haemolysis, whereas at high concentrations it promotes haemolysis. In contrast to red cells, liposomses were destabilized by propranolol. The lytic effect on lipid membranes was observed within the same concentration range of the drug at which it exerts an antihaemolytic effect on red cells. Propranolol has been shown also to perturb glycerol transport in red cells. It stimulates passive diffusion of glycerol into bovine red cells and inhibits facilitated diffusion in human red cells. The experimental results suggest that although both membrane lipids and proteins are involved in drug-membrane interaction, the crucial role in propranolol-induced red-cell membrane stabilization is played by the protein component.