Characterization of Na+‐independent Mg2+ efflux from erythrocytes

Na(+)-independent Mg2+ efflux from Mg2(+)-loaded human, rat and chicken erythrocytes was reduced by extracellular Cl-. Na(+)-independent Mg2+ efflux at low extracellular Cl- concentration (sucrose medium) was inhibited by SITS and was nearly insensitive to SITS in 150 mM choline Cl medium. The inhibition of Mg2+ efflux by extracellular Cl- and DIDS could be overcome by the lipophilic permeant tetraphenylphosphonium cation. Na(+)-independent Mg2+ efflux from human and rat erythrocytes in sucrose and choline Cl medium was inhibited by cAMP and by amiloride and amiloride analogues. The results indicate that Na(+)-independent Mg2+ efflux in high Cl- medium is performed by a similar or the same Mg2+ efflux system, operating in sucrose medium in which the efflux of Mg2+ is accompanied by the efflux of Cl- for charge compensation.