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Creatine and Phosphocreatine in the Human Red Cell
Author(s) -
Griffiths W. J.
Publication year - 1968
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2141.1968.tb01555.x
Subject(s) - creatine , phosphocreatine , creatine kinase , population , red cell , incubation , medicine , biology , cell , endocrinology , chemistry , biochemistry , energy metabolism , environmental health
In vitro experiments showed that the concentration of creatine in a mixed population of normal red cells was either unchanged or slightly diminished during incubation at 37° C. for 48 hours in plasma or a buffered medium. If young cells were present there was always a fall in creatine during the early stages of incubation. Creatine lost in this way appeared in the cell‐free supernatant fluid. The ability of the red cell to retain some creatine throughout its life span is due to the relative impermeability of the cell membrane to this substance. Traces of phosphocreatine and creatine phosphokinase were detected in a population of young cells but not in mature cells. It is unlikely, therefore, that creatine takes part in energy transformations in the non‐nucleated red cell, although it may do so in an earlier phase of its development. The origin of the red‐cell creatine is obscure. Synthesis of creatine by young, non‐nucleated, red cells was not detected in vitro and its derivation from plasma creatine is considered unlikely because of the impermeability of the cell membrane. It is suggested that the creatine is acquired by the cell at some stage in its development from nucleated precursors.