CHARACTERISTICS OF ACTIVE SODIUM AND POTASSIUM TRANSPORT IN ERYTHROCYTES OF HEALTHY INFANTS AND CHILDREN

ABSTRACT. Sigström, L. Waldenström, J. and Karlberg, P. (Departments of Paediatrics I and Clinical Chemistry, University of Göteborg, Göteborg, Sweden). Characteristics of active sodium and potassium transport in erythrocytes of healthy infants and children. Acta Paediatr Scand, 70:347, 1981.–Erythrocytes were analysed for adenosine triphosphatase (total and sodium-potassium activated) activities, concentrations of sodium and potassium ions and ATP in normal individuals from birth to adulthood age. A decrease of Na, K⁺-ATPase activity and an increase of the sodium concentration was seen in infants aged 1–3 and 4–8 months. A decrease of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase was seen during puberty. A correlation was seen between the Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity and the Na⁺-K+ ratio. Different influences which might lead to the observed changes in Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity and erythrocyte sodium concentration are discussed.