Changes in the Red Cell Membrane Induced by a Small Rise in Temperature

The mechanism of damage to red blood cells induced by elevations in temperature in the range 37°-42° C has been studied in human and rabbit erythrocytes in vitro. There was no inhibition of glycolytic capacity, and the consumption of glucose increased during incubation for as long as 6 hours at 42° C. Cell membrane permeability seems to increase, as judged from a remarkable prelytic loss of potassium in incubation studies at 42° C, but without loss of cell volume control. No morphologic changes were ob served. Using a filterability test, a progressive increase in cell rigidity was observed, both with increase in temperature and time of exposure.