High potassium type red cells in cattle

Abstract

SUMMARYThe distribution of red cell potassium concentrations in ninety–one Jersey cows was examined, and shown to be consistent with two populations, a high (HK) and low (LK) type. In tracer potassium uptake experiments the HK type cells were shown to have a higher active K+ uptake, and lower passive K+ leak than LK type cells. Tests with the sheep anti–L antibody showed that the L–antigen system, which controls active potassium transport in sheep red cells does not appear to act in cattle red cells.