An unusual pattern of Na+ and K+ movements across the horse erythrocyte membrane

Abstract

Marked differences in the activities of three monovalent cation transport systems in horse versus human erythrocytes are reported. Whereas horse erythrocytes exhibit a 6-fold higher sodium-lithium countertransport, the unidirectional flux of potassium through the sodium pump is 3-4-times slower and the sodium-potassium cotransport system cannot be detected. In spite of this, horse and human cells are able to maintain similar Na+ and K+ gradients. © 1986.