This study aims to examine the role of the Na+-K+-2Cl-cotransporter in the avian erythrocyte, its impact on cell volume and hemoglobin oxygen affinity by comparing erythrocytes from pigeons maintained in normobaric conditions and those acclimated to hypobaric hypoxia. The degree of cell volume increase mediated by the transporter will be correlated to degree of hypoxia and to levels of catecholamines in the blood. Verification of the identity of the ions moving into the erythrocyte will be conducted; additionally, quantification of glucose and lactate will determine their effectiveness as osmolytes that promote water uptake by the erythrocyte. The impact on hemoglobin oxygen affinity of altered cell volume and ion movements resulting from hypoxia will be analyzed. This will contribute to the long-term objective of determining the effects of hypoxia on oxygen transport functions of the erythrocyte and thus, on the whole animal. This knowledge will aid in understanding conditions of impaired erythrocyte function, perhaps such as sickle-celled erythrocytes, to the extent that certain cellular homeostatic mechanisms are ubiquitous.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31GM019791-02
Application #
6178868
Study Section
Minority Programs Review Committee (MPRC)
Program Officer
Zlotnik, Hinda
Project Start
2000-06-01
Project End
Budget Start
2000-06-01
Budget End
2000-11-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$11,931
Indirect Cost
Name
New Mexico State University Las Cruces
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
City
Las Cruces
State
NM
Country
United States
Zip Code
88003