Release of Hemoglobin and Potassium from Human Red Blood Cells Treated with Triton X-100 Under the Critical Micellar Concentration

Authors

P. Bogner, University Medical School, Pecs
M. Kellermayer, University Medical School, Pecs
C. F. Hazlewood, Baylor College of Medicine

Abstract

The action of detergents is thought to be connected primarily with micelle formation. However, detergent monomers can also effect biological systems. It was found in this study that human red blood cells can be disintegrated with Triton X-100 non-ionic detergent at a concentration of 0.007 %, lower than the critical micellar concentration (CMC). The time dependent release of hemoglobin and potassium was detected at 37°C and both were sigmoid in character. Although potassium was released faster than hemoglobin, a cooperative relationship between potassium and hemoglobin within the intact red blood cell is suggested by this observation.

Recommended Citation

Bogner, P.; Kellermayer, M.; and Hazlewood, C. F. (1989) "Release of Hemoglobin and Potassium from Human Red Blood Cells Treated with Triton X-100 Under the Critical Micellar Concentration," Scanning Microscopy: Vol. 3: No. 4, Article 24.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/microscopy/vol3/iss4/24