Effect of pH and Hypo-Osmotic Stress on NaCl Electrolyte Permeation across Red Blood Cell Membrane

The study compares the effects produced by h+ concentrations in hypo-osmotically stressed nacl solutions on permeation through rbc membrane. iso-osmotic solutions of nacl (160 mm) were prepared taking into account their molecular weight and osmotic concentration. iso-osmotic solutions (25 ml) were diluted with 25 ml of distilled water to give half the initial concentrations (50 % hypotonic salt solutions). hypotonic nacl solutions of ph of 6.2, 6.8, 7.4 and 8.0 were prepared, mixed with 0.05 ml of rbc suspension and their absorbance/min for 16 min were measured using a uv/visible spectrophotometer while the rbcs haemolyse. h+ concentration and hence ph was found to have a significant effect on ion permeability through rbc membrane. permeation occurred faster in alkalinic solutions under hypo-osmotic stress. permeation increased with every increase in ph and the increase is steeper at ph 7.4 – 8.0.