High erythrocyte membrane (Na+ + K+)-ATPase in kwashiorkor, in vivo reversal by diuretic.

Specific activity (mumol Pi released/h/mg membrane protein) of ouabain-sensitive (Na+ + K+)-ATPase has been shown to be higher in erythrocytes from children suffering from kwashiorkor, compared to that in normal children. Twenty four hours after treatment of these children with a diuretic, there was reduction in their body weights due to loss of oedema fluid. Ouabain sensitive (Na+ + K+)-ATPase of the erythrocyte membrane was inhibited by about 40% and this was associated with gain of 1.8 mequivalents Na+ per litre of erythrocytes. The results suggest that high ouabain-sensitive (Na+ + K+)-ATPase could be one of the mechanisms operative in erythrocytes to prevent accumulation of Na+ in kwashiorkor.