THE EFFECT OF MEFLOQUINE AND QUININE ON THE RELAXATION-TIMES OF WATERPROTONS IN HUMAN ERYTHROCYTES, AS REVEALED BY NMR

Effects of mefloquine and quinine on human erythrocyte membranes were investigated by H-1-NMR spectroscopy. The observed spin-spin relaxatio n time (T-2) of intracellular water protons was found to reflect water permeability of the membrane. The effects of these drug treatments on the erythrocytes were determined by the ratio of the T-2 of control a nd experimental samples. Comparing the results of quinine and mefloqui ne treatments, quinine decreased the T-2 ratio to 0.79 at 5 mM and mef loquine increased the ratio to 1.14 at 0.5 mM. These results demonstra ted that quinine increases water permeability through the membranes wh ereas mefloquine decreases it.