VOLUME-DEPENDENT POTASSIUM-TRANSPORT IN CAMEL RED-BLOOD-CELLS

In this study the volume-dependent, ouabain-resistant K+ influx and ef flux in camel red blood cells were measured with the tracer Rb-86+. Th e results showed that the camel erythrocytes do not have the Na+-K+ co transport. The cell swelling increases a ouabain-resistant K+ influx a nd shrinkage decreases it nearly two-fold. The swelling-stimulated Kinflux and efflux were chloride dependent. The anion dependence of Kinflux in swollen cells was as follows: Br- > Cl- > NO3. The pH-depend ent curve for swelling-stimulated potassium influx, and the active Kinflux in camel erythrocytes were determined. The findings indicate th at camel erythrocytes' potassium transport system has many similaritie s to other mammalian species.