Erythrocyte sialic acid alterations in experimental diabetes
Gavella, M.; Lipovac, V.; Sverko, V.; Hadzija, M.
Cellular and Molecular Biology 31(2): 75-80
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-5680 PMID: 3891088 Document Number: 256712
Diabetes-induced alterations in the erythrocyte sialic acid content, and their relationship to erythrocyte age, were studied in female Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of alloxan (75 mg/kg); sialic acid determinants were made at various times after the treatment (14, 30, 60 and 150 days). The first significant changes were observed after 60 days of diabetes, when, along with marked hyperglycemia, the erythrocyte sialic acid content increased by .apprx. 72%. The same results were obtained 150 days after the induction of diabetes. A decreased mean cell GOT activity and the density distribution of the cells indicated the presence of older erythrocytes in these diabetic rats. The measured parameters improved by insulin therapy. Elevated glucose levels represent an important determinant of the increase in erythrocyte membrane sialic acid content, and, consequently, prolong the survival of red cells in the blood circulation of chronically diabetic animals; this may possibly have some physiologcial implications.