THE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN PLASMA AMINO-ACID-CONCENTRATIONS ON ERYTHROCYTE AMINO-ACID CONTENT

In order to determine the effects of large variations in plasma amino acid concentrations upon human erythrocyte amino acid content, the plasma concentration of blood samples was enhanced (x 3.8) by adding amino acids or decreased (x 0.49) by plasma dilution. Before and after incubation (30 s at 37 °C), the erythrocyte contents were calculated from whole blood and plasma amino acid concentrations. Large and rapid plasma concentration variations led to significant erythrocyte changes in 11 amino acids. THR, CIT, αAB, VAL, MET, ILE, LEU, TYR, PHE, TRP, and ARG. Relationships between erythrocyte and plasma concentrations were determined for these amino acids. These observations were examined in the light of the role played by erythrocytes in blood amino acid transport. © 1990 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists.