Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 59, Issue 4 1196-1200, Copyright © 1985 by American Physiological Society
Erythrocyte adenosine triphosphate depletion during voluntary hyperventilation
M. Staubli, P. Ott, U. Waber, U. P. Stauble, C. Jeanneret, E. Peheim and P. W. Straub
Chronic hypophosphatemia in humans is associated with a slow depletion of
adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) in
erythrocytes, combined with shape alteration, impaired deformability, and
viability of the cells. Likewise, incubation of erythrocytes in alkaline
solution is associated with ATP depletion. Since in hyperventilation both
hypophosphatemia and alkalosis are present, we have investigated red cell
organic phosphates, shape, deformability, and osmotic fragility before,
during, and after 20 min of voluntary hyperventilation. On the average, red
cell ATP decreased by 42%, the blood pH increased by 0.2 units, and plasma
inorganic phosphorus decreased by 46% compared with the initial values. Red
cell 2,3-DPG, shape, deformability, and osmotic fragility remained
unchanged. After the end of hyperventilation ATP increased rapidly to
control values in parallel with the normalization of the blood pH, whereas
inorganic plasma phosphorus remained at the low level observed during
hyperventilation. It is concluded that the combined effects of
hypophosphatemia and alkalosis in acute hyperventilation lead to an
isolated fall of red cell ATP, which occurs as rapid as after total
inhibition of red cell glycolysis in vitro.
