Changes in Cell Active Transport Induced by Acute and Chronic Exposure to Ethanol

Abstract

Red blood cells obtained from chronic alcoholics 24 hours after withdrawal of alcohol show evidence of increased capability to actively transport Na+ and K−. The cells have a marginally lower internal Na+ concentration and a higher internal K+ concentration than cells from age matched controls. In addition, the Ouabain dependent K+ uptake is greater in red blood cells from alcoholics and more (Na+ + K−) activated Adenosine Triphosphatase activity may be obtained from them. It is suggested that these results confirm a previous suggestion (Israel et aI 1970) that one mechanism by which tolerance develops to the central effects of alcohol ingestion, might be explained by an increased capability of the cells to expel Na ion.