Erythrocyte 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate Concentrations in Hibernating,Hypothermic,and Rewarming Hamsters

Summary

Hematocrit, hemoglobin and erythrocyte 2,3-DPG concentrations were examined in normothermic control, hibernating, and helium-cold hypothermic hamsters. Hematocrit was not significantly different (P > 0.05) between groups, but did reflect alterations reported for hemoglobin. Hemoglobin concentration did not change from control values during 12 hr at T _re 7°; however, approximately a 20% decrease occurred in hibernators (48 hrs) and animals hypothermic (24 hr). 2,3-DPG concentrations declined 39.1 and 33.9% from control values in the hibernating and 24 hr hypothermic groups, respectively. No change was observed in animals hypothermic for 12 hr. Both parameters were studied in the aroused animal. Hemoglobin returns to control values immediately after the animals reached a stable T _re ≈ 37°. Although 2,3-DPG levels increased during arousal, they were still 10 % lower than control values in both meta-bolically depressed groups. 2,3-DPG remained approximately 10% less than controls in rewarmed hypothermic animals studied 2 hr after reaching stable T _re ≈ 37°. The data are discussed in terms of cold depression of erythrocyte glycolysis.

The authors wish to thank Janet Burnett for her excellent technical assistance.

Research was supported by Grant No. NGL 26-004-021, Supplement 9, 10, from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Dalton Research Center.