Expression of the vitamin D metabolizing enzyme CYP24A1 at the annulus of human spermatozoa may serve as a novel marker of semen quality

Vitamin D (VD) is important for male reproduction in mammals and the VD receptor (VDR) and VD-metabolizing enzymes are expressed in human spermatozoa. The VD-inactivating enzyme CYP24A1 titrates the cellular responsiveness to VD, is transcriptionally regulated by VD, and has a distinct expression at the sperm annulus. Here, we investigated if CYP24A1 expression serves as a marker for VD metabolism in spermatozoa, and whether CYP24A1 expression was associated with semen quality. We included 130 men (53 healthy young volunteers and 77 subfertile men) for semen analysis and immunocytochemical (ICC) detection of CYP24A1. Another 40 men (22 young, 18 subfertile) were tested for in vitro effects of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and sperm motility. Double ICC staining showed that CYP24A1 and VDR were either concomitantly expressed or absent in 80% of the spermatozoa from young men. The median number of CYP24A1-expressing spermatozoa was 1% in subfertile men and thus significantly (p < 0.0005) lower than 25% in spermatozoa from young men. Moreover, CYP24A1 expression correlated positively with total sperm count, -concentration, -motility and -morphology (all p < 0.004), and the percentage of CYP24A1-positive spermatozoa increased (15 vs. 41%, p < 0.0005) after percoll-gradient-centrifugation. We noticed that the presence of >3% CYP24A1-positive spermatozoa distinguished young men from subfertile men with a sensitivity of 66.0%, a specificity of 77.9% and a positive predictive value of 98.3%. Functional studies revealed that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) increased [Ca(2+)](i) and sperm motility in young healthy men, while 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) was unable to increase motility in subfertile patients. In conclusion, we suggest that CYP24A1 expression at the annulus may serve as a novel marker of semen quality and an objective proxy for sperm function.

Is an increased intestinal permeability a valid predictor of relapse in Crohn disease?

BACKGROUND

An increased intestinal permeability (IP) may be a pathogenetic factor in Crohn disease (CD). Increases in IP could be an indicator of subclinical disease and precede clinical relapses. We examined whether an increased IP is a valid predictor of relapse in CD.

METHODS

27 patients with CD in remission (CDAI <150) and 22 healthy controls ingested 3.7 MBq of 51Cr-EDTA, 20 kBq of 14C-mannitol and 5 g of unlabelled mannitol in 100 ml of distilled water. The percent urine excretion (24 h) of labelled markers was determined. Patients were followed for 1 year or until relapse, defined as CDAI > 150 and > 50 from baseline.

RESULTS

Median (25th-75th percentiles). The excretion of 51Cr-EDTA was 1.55% (1.13%-2.53%) for patients and 1.20% (1.11%-1.44%) for controls (P = 0.04). Three of 9 patients with a raised, and 6 of 18 patients with a normal, 51Cr-EDTA excretion relapsed (P = 1.00; Fisher's exact test). Thus, the specificity and sensitivity of the 51Cr-EDTA test as a predictor of relapse was 67% and 33%, respectively. The 51Cr-EDTA/14C-mannitol index was 0.060 (0.037-0.093) for patients and 0.045 (0.038-0.054) for controls (P = 0.06). Four of 12 patients with a raised, and 5 of 15 patients with a normal, index relapsed (P = 1.00; Fisher's exact test). Thus, the specificity and sensitivity of the index test as a predictor of relapse was 56% and 44%, respectively. For controls and patients in remission, who were tested twice, variability of and fluctuations in both the 51Cr-EDTA excretion and the index were greatest for patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports previous findings of an increased IP in patients with CD. Although fluctuations in the permeation of markers were pronounced in CD, neither the excretion of 51Cr-EDTA nor the 51Cr-EDTA/14C-mannitol index test were valid predictors of relapse in CD.

[Usefulness of urine dipsticks in the diagnosis of microscopic hematuria]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of urine dipstick for diagnosing microscopic haematuria. We prospectively reanalyzed 122 consecutive urine samples, that had been read positive for blood by dipstick testing in two hospital departments, with repeated dipstick testing and fractionated microscopy at the laboratory. Out of these 53/122 (43%) were negative at the new dipstick analysis and 67/122 (55%) were negative by urine microscopy. We further examined urine samples from 31 healthy employees at the laboratory. Urine was collected before and after accurate instruction in the procedure for midstream urine sample. A complete correlation between dipstick analysis and microscopy was found. Samples from 8/31 (25%) persons showed microscopic haematuria before instructions and 6/31 (19%) after. It is concluded that instruction in correct dipstick reading and urine sampling could reduce the number of patients with microscopic haematuria by approximately 50%.

[Examination of patients with monosymptomatic dipstick hematuria. A questionnaire study in Danish departments of surgery]

Routine procedures for urological investigations, treatment and follow-up of patients with monosymptomatic dipstick haematuria were studied by a questionnaire. This consisted of 13 questions and was filled in by the chief urologist in 45 (80%) of all surgical departments in Denmark. Dipstick testing was used by 98% of all departments, but only in 31% of these were the personnel reading the tests especially trained in the procedure. Cystourethroscopy and excretory urography were used in respectively 98% and 93% of the departments, although many different evaluation schedules were employed. Thirty-eight departments confirmed the initial dipstick result, of these 21 (55%) omitted further investigations in case of a negative result. Persistent monosymptomatic haematuria resulted in repeated urological examination in 36 departments (80%). The paper discusses the use of dipstick testing versus urine microscopy and gives recommendations for the investigation and follow-up of patients with monosymptomatic dipstick haematuria.

Ionic binding, net charge, and Donnan effect of human serum albumin as a function of pH

The ionic activities and total molalities of sodium, potassium, calcium, lithium, and chloride in a solution of human serum albumin were measured at different values of pH between 4 and 9. The same quantities were measured simultaneously in a protein-free electrolyte solution in membrane equilibrium with the albumin solution. Taking the residual liquid-junction potential and bias from unselectivity of the electrodes into account, we determined the own, bound, and net charges of albumin. Chloride was amply bound at low pH, and calcium at high pH. The varying charge of ions bound to albumin opposed the effect of acid or base on the net charge. All ions were distributed across the membrane according to the same electric potential difference, which equalled the Donnan potential. The high concordance between observation and theory favors the Donnan theory and furthermore implies that the electrodes are as accurate in a solution with albumin as in a protein-free solution.

Ionic binding, net charge, and Donnan effect of human serum albumin as a function of pH

The ionic activities and total molalities of sodium, potassium, calcium, lithium, and chloride in a solution of human serum albumin were measured at different values of pH between 4 and 9. The same quantities were measured simultaneously in a protein-free electrolyte solution in membrane equilibrium with the albumin solution. Taking the residual liquid-junction potential and bias from unselectivity of the electrodes into account, we determined the own, bound, and net charges of albumin. Chloride was amply bound at low pH, and calcium at high pH. The varying charge of ions bound to albumin opposed the effect of acid or base on the net charge. All ions were distributed across the membrane according to the same electric potential difference, which equalled the Donnan potential. The high concordance between observation and theory favors the Donnan theory and furthermore implies that the electrodes are as accurate in a solution with albumin as in a protein-free solution.

Effects of exogenous oxygen derived free radicals on myocardial capillary permeability, vascular tone, and incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in the canine heart

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to examine the effects of exogenous oxygen derived free radicals on myocardial capillary permeability for a small hydrophilic indicator, postischaemic vascular tone, and the occurrence of arrhythmias in the canine heart in vivo.

METHODS

Free radicals were generated by simultaneous intracoronary infusion of hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase into normally perfused myocardium, and at reperfusion following five minutes of coronary occlusion, respectively, in 20 anaesthetised open chest dogs. Myocardial capillary extraction for 99mTc-DTPA, plasma flow rate, and the interstitial washout rate constant were measured by the single injection, residue detection method, and the capillary permeability-surface area product (PS) was calculated. The maximum plasma flow during reactive hyperaemia was measured by the local 133Xe washout method.

RESULTS

Hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase infusion into normally perfused myocardium induced a 15% decrease in capillary extraction (p = 0.05), a 24% decrease in PS (p < 0.01), and a 23% decrease in the interstitial washout rate constant (NS) two minutes after the end of the infusion. When hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase were infused into postischaemic myocardium, 86% of animals developed sustained ventricular arrhythmias, in contrast to none in control experiments (p < 0.05). The maximum plasma flow was 363% of preocclusive values in control experiments v 268% in hypoxanthine + xanthine oxidase experiments (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In normally perfused hearts, intracoronary infusion of hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase induce a decreased capillary extraction, suggesting a reduced capillary surface area. In postischaemic myocardium these substances cause a decreased vasodilatation in the initial phase of reactive hyperaemia, and induce ventricular arrhythmias.

The human erythrocyte anion transport protein, band 3. Characterization of exofacial alkaline titratable groups involved in anion binding/translocation

Chloride self-exchange across the human erythrocyte membrane at alkaline extracellular pH (pHO) and constant neutral intracellular pH (pH(i)) can be described by an exofacial deprotonatable reciprocating anion binding site model. The conversion of the transport system from the neutral to the alkaline state is related to deprotonation of a positively charged ionic strength- and substrate-sensitive group. In the absence of substrate ions ([ClO] = 0) the group has a pK of approximately 9.4 at constant high ionic strength (equivalent to approximately 150 mM KCl) and a pK of approximately 8.7 at approximately zero ionic strength. The alkaline ping-pong system (examined at constant high ionic strength) demonstrates outward recruitment of the binding sites with an asymmetry factor of approximately 0.2, as compared with the inward recruitment of the transport system at neutral pHO with an asymmetry factor of approximately 10. The intrinsic half-saturation constant for chloride binding, with [Cli] = [Clo], increased from approximately 30 mM at neutral to approximately 110 mM at alkaline pHO. The maximal transport rate was a factor of approximately 1.7 higher at alkaline pHO. This increase explains the stimulation of anion transport, the "modifier hump," observed at alkaline pHO. The translocation of anions at alkaline pHO was inhibited by deprotonation of another substrate-sensitive group with an intrinsic pK of approximately 11.3. This group together with the group with a pK of approximately 9.4 appear to form the essential part of the exofacial anion binding site. The effect of extracellular iodide inhibition on chloride transport as a function of pHO could, moreover, be simulated if three extracellular iodide binding constants were included in the model: namely, a competitive intrinsic iodide binding constant of approximately 1 mM in the neutral state, a self-inhibitor binding constant of approximately 120 mM in the neutral state, and a competitive intrinsic binding constant of approximately 38 mM in the alkaline state.

[Congenital stomatocytosis with hemolytic anemia--with abnormal cation permeability and defective membrane proteins]

A case of hereditary stomatocytosis with haemolytic anaemia in a nine year-old girl is presented. This rare syndrome is associated with increased permeability for monovalent cations across the erythrocyte membrane leading to high intracellular sodium (72 mmol/l erythrocytes) and low potassium (32 mmol/l erythrocytes) accompanied by an increased water content. In our patient the passive Na+ and K+ flux were increased to approximately 20 times normal with a compensatory maximal activation of the normal Na, K transport. The cation permeability defect was partly corrected in vitro by a bifunctional imidoester, dimethyl suberimidate. Electrophoresis of solubilizer membrane proteins revealed changes in the protein band pattern with reduction of band 7, as reported previously, and increase in the band 4.1a/4.1b ratio and increased band 4.8.

Myocardial capillary permeability after regional ischemia and reperfusion in the in vivo canine heart. Effect of superoxide dismutase

This study assesses the effect of the superoxide anion scavenger superoxide dismutase on myocardial capillary permeability-surface area (PS) products for small hydrophilic molecules after ischemia and reperfusion. Open-chest dogs underwent a 20-minute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by 1 hour of reperfusion. Myocardial plasma flow rate and capillary extraction of chromium 51-labeled EDTA or technetium 99m-labeled diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid were measured by the single-injection, residue-detection method before ischemia and 5 and 60 minutes after the start of reperfusion. In 13 dogs, no scavenger treatment was given (nonprotected control group), whereas eight dogs were treated systemically with 15,000 units/kg superoxide dismutase during 1 hour, starting 20 minutes before ischemia. In the control group, three dogs developed reperfusion ventricular fibrillation in contrast to none in the superoxide dismutase group. Before ischemia, plasma flow rate, myocardial capillary extraction fraction, and PS values were similar in the two groups. Five minutes after the start of reperfusion, plasma flow rate increased significantly (p less than 0.01) in both groups. In the control group, capillary extraction fraction increased by 12% (p = NS) in spite of the higher plasma flow; these increases in capillary extraction fraction and plasma flow induced a 69% increase in PS (p less than 0.01). In the superoxide dismutase-treated group, capillary extraction fraction decreased by 32% (p less than 0.05) in accordance with the increased plasma flow rate, resulting in an unchanged PS (p = NS). Sixty minutes after reperfusion, plasma flow rate, capillary extraction fraction, and PS returned to preocclusion values in both groups (p = NS). The increased capillary extraction fraction and PS values seen in the control group suggest an increased capillary permeability after ischemia and reperfusion. Superoxide anions seem to participate, directly or indirectly, in this response.

Kinetics of reversible DIDS inhibition of chloride self exchange in human erythrocytes

The capnophorin (band 3)-mediated chloride self exchange flux in intact erythrocytes and in resealed erythrocyte ghosts was determined at pH 7.3 by measuring the unidirectional efflux of 36Cl-. The time-dependent irreversible inactivation of the anion transport system by 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) was measured as the relative change of the unidirectional 36Cl efflux rate. The rate of covalent DIDS binding under conditions of excess DIDS in solution that ensure a complete irreversible inhibition followed an exponential time course with a rate coefficient Kcov (min-1). The Arrhenius activation enthalpy of Kcov was constant, 114 kJ/mol, at 0-38 degrees C. At 38 and 0 degrees C, Kcov was 0.5 min-1 [half time (T1/2) = ln2/Kcov = 1.3 min] and 0.004 min-1 (T1/2 = 178 min), respectively. The slow irreversible DIDS binding to the anion transport system at 0 degrees C allows a determination of the kinetics of the reversible DIDS reaction. The pseudo first-order rate constant for binding, kon, was 3.5 X 10(5) (M.s)-1. The apparent dissociation constant, KD, determined from the steady-state binding to the erythrocyte membrane was 3.1 X 10(-8) M at an equal internal and external Cl- concentration of 165 mM (0 degrees C). The value of KD shows that DIDS is the most efficient reversible inhibitor among the stilbene derivatives so far studied. Maximum reversible inhibition by DIDS was obtained by binding of a minimum of approximately 10(6) molecules/cell membrane. The number is similar to that obtained from studies of irreversible DIDS binding.

Functional carboxyl groups in the red cell anion exchange protein. Modification with an impermeant carbodiimide

Anion exchange in human red blood cell membranes was inactivated using the impermeant carbodiimide 1-ethyl-3-(4-azonia-4,4-dimethylpentyl)-carbodiimide (EAC). The inactivation time course was biphasic: at 30 mM EAC, approximately 50% of the exchange capacity was inactivated within approximately 15 min; this was followed by a phase in which irreversible exchange inactivation was approximately 100-fold slower. The rate and extent of inactivation was enhanced in the presence of the nucleophile tyrosine ethyl ester (TEE), suggesting that the inactivation is the result of carboxyl group modification. Inactivation (to a maximum of 10% residual exchange activity) was also enhanced by the reversible inhibitor of anion exchange 4,4'-dinitrostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate (DNDS) at concentrations that were 10(3)-10(4) times higher than those necessary for inhibition of anion exchange. The extracellular binding site for stilbenedisulfonates is essentially intact after carbodiimide modification: the irreversible inhibitor of anion exchange 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate (DIDS) eliminated (most of) the residual exchange activity: DNDS inhibited the residual (DIDS-sensitive) Cl- at concentrations similar to those that inhibit Cl- exchange of unmodified membranes: and Cl- efflux is activated by extracellular Cl-, with half-maximal activation at approximately 3 mM Cl-, which is similar to the value for unmodified membranes. But the residual anion exchange function after maximum inactivation is insensitive to changes of extra- and intracellular pH between pH 5 and 7. The titratable group with a pKa of approximately 5.4, which must be deprotonated for normal function of the native anion exchanger, thus appears to be lost after EAC modification.

The inflammatory and tumor-promoting sesquiterpene lactone, thapsigargin, activates platelets by selective mobilization of calcium as shown by protein phosphorylations

We have studied the activation of human blood platelets by the inflammatory and tumor-promoting sesquiterpene lactone, thapsigargin. The effect of thapsigargin was compared with other common agonists (calcium ionophore A23187, phorbol ester TPA and thrombin). Platelet aggregation, serotonin release, raised cytoplasmic free calcium level and phosphorylation of platelet proteins was examined in platelet-rich plasma and washed platelet suspension. In contrast to A23187 and thrombin, the platelet activation induced by thapsigargin developed slowly, with maximal response obtained after 2-3 min. Both the thapsigargin- and the A23187-induced serotonin releases were synergistically increased by TPA. Studies of the phosphorylation of platelet proteins revealed that thapsigargin and A23187 equally well induced a selective phosphorylation of two proteins with apparent molecular masses of 20 kDa and 47 kDa. These proteins, which are substrates of myosin light-chain kinase and protein kinase C respectively, are known to be involved in platelet activation. The thapsigargin-induced platelet aggregation and serotonin release was completely inhibited by class I (nimodipine), class II (verapamil) and class III (diltiazem) calcium-channel blockers. The inhibitory activity of nimodipine was abolished by the corresponding 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium-channel agonist, BAY K 8644. These results shows that the thapsigargin-induced platelet activation is mediated by an increase in the cytoplasmic free calcium level, presumably obtained by stimulation of the passive calcium transport through specific channels. These thapsigargin-sensitive channels should predominantly be located in the membranes of intracellular calcium stores rather than in the plasma membrane, because removal of extracellular calcium by EGTA had only an insignificant effect on the thapsigargin-induced rise in cytoplasmic free calcium level.

Selective phenylglyoxalation of functionally essential arginyl residues in the erythrocyte anion transport protein

The red cell anion transport protein, band 3, can be selectively modified with phenylglyoxal, which modifies arginyl residues (arg) in proteins, usually with a phenylglyoxal: arg stoichiometry of 2:1. Indiscriminate modification of all arg in red cell membrane proteins occurred rapidly when both extra- and intracellular pH were above 10. Selective modification of extracellularly exposed arg was achieved when ghosts with a neutral or acid intracellular pH were treated with phenylglyoxal in an alkaline medium. The rate and specificity of modification depend on the extracellular chloride concentration. At 165 mM chloride maximum transport inactivation was accompanied by the binding of four phenylglyoxals per band 3 molecule. After removal of extracellular chloride, maximum transport inhibition was accompanied by the incorporation of two phenylglyoxals per band 3, which suggests that transport function is inactivated by the modification of a single arg. After cleavage of band 3 with extracellular chymotrypsin, [14C]phenylglyoxal was located almost exclusively in a 35,000-dalton peptide. In contrast, the primary covalent binding site of the isothiocyanostilbenedisulfonates is a lysyl residue in the second cleavage product, a 65,000-dalton fragment. This finding supports the view that the transport region of band 3 is composed of strands from both chymotryptic fragments. The binding of phenylglyoxal and the stilbene inhibitors interfered with each other. The rate of phenylglyoxal binding was reduced by a reversibly binding stilbenedisulfonate (DNDS), and covalent binding of [3H]DIDS to phenylglyoxal-modified membranes was strongly delayed. At DIDS concentrations below 10 10 micrometers, only 50% of the band 3 molecules were labeled with [3H]-DIDS during 90 min at 38 degrees C, thereby demonstrating an interaction between binding of the two inhibitors to the protomers of the oligomeric band 3 molecules.

Chloride--bicarbonate exchange in red blood cells: physiology of transport and chemical modification of binding sites

About 80% of the CO2 formed by metabolism is transported from tissues to lungs as bicarbonate ions in the water phases of red cells and plasma. The catalysed hydration of CO2 to bicarbonate takes place in the erythrocytes but most of the bicarbonate thus formed must be exchanged with extracellular chloride to make full use of the carbon dioxide transporting capacity of the blood. The anion transport capacity of the red cell membrane is among the largest ionic transport capacities of any biological membrane. Exchange diffusion of chloride and bicarbonate is nevertheless a rate-limiting step for the transfer of CO2 from tissues to lungs. Measurements of chloride and bicarbonate self-exchange form the basis for calculations that demonstrate that the ionic exchange processes cannot run to complete equilibration at capillary transit times less than 0.5 s. The anion exchange diffusion is mediated by a large transmembrane protein constituting almost 30% of the total membrane protein. The kinetics of exchange diffusion must depend on conformational changes of the protein molecule, associated with the binding and subsequent translocation of the transported anion. We have characterized the nature of anion-binding sites facing the extracellular medium by acid-base titration of the transport function and modification of the transport protein in situ with group-specific amino acid reagents. Anion binding and translocation depend on the integrity and the degree of protonation of two sets of exofacial groups with apparent pK values of 12 and 5, respectively. From the chemical reactivities towards amino acid reagents it appears that the groups whose pK = 12 are guanidino groups of arginyl residues, while the groups whose pK = 5 are likely to be carboxylates of glutamic or aspartic acid. Our studies suggest that the characteristics of anion recognition sites in water-soluble proteins and in the integral transport proteins are closely related.

Irreversible inactivation of red cell chloride exchange with phenylglyoxal, and arginine-specific reagent

Chloride exchange in resealed human erythrocyte ghosts can be irreversibly inhibited with phenylglyoxal, a reagent specific for the modification of arginyl residues in proteins. Phenylglyoxal inhibits anion transport in two distinct ways. At 0 degrees C, inhibition is instantaneous and fully reversible, whereas at higher temperature in an alkaline extracellular medium, covalent binding of phenylglyoxal leads to an irreversible inhibition of the transport membranes system. Indiscriminate modification of membrane arginyl residues was prevented by reacting the with phenylglyoxal in an alkaline extracellular medium while maintaining intracellular pH near neutrality. The rate of modification of anion transport depends on phenylglyoxal concentration, pH, temperature, and the presence of anions and reversible inhibitors of the anion transport system in fashions that are fully compatible with the conclusion that phenylglyoxal modifies arginyl residues that are essential for anion binding and translocation. Phenylglyoxal reacts rapidly with the deprotonated form of the reactive groups. It is proposed that the effects of anions and of negatively charged transport inhibitors on the rate of irreversible binding of phenylglyoxal are related to the effects of the anions on a positive interfacial potential. This potential determines the local pH, and thereby the concentration of deprotonated groups, in an exofacial region of the anion transport protein.

Titration of transport and modifier sites in the red cell anion transport system

This work demonstrates the existence of titratable transport and modifier sites in the anion transport system of human red cells. Effects of alkaline extracellular pH on chloride exchange were studied up to pH 13 at 0 degrees C. The studies revealed two sets of reversible titratable groups. One set, having a pK of or approximately 11, appeared to be identical with the inhibitory halide-binding modifier site. Deprotonation of this site stimulated anion transport. The apparent dissociation constants of chloride and iodide at this modifier site were 0.3 and 0.06 M, respectively, and it was confirmed that the organic sulfonate NAP-taurine inhibits anion transport reversibly by a high-affinity interaction with halide-binding modifier sites at the extracellular side of the membrane. Other groups, with apparent pK of or approximately 12 at chloride concentrations above 0.1 M, were named as "transport sites" because transport function depended totally on their protonation. The apparent pK decreased when extracellular halide concentrations was lowered below 0.1 M. It was dependent of the intracellular chloride concentration, and was equally sensitive to extracellular pH of 13, was fully reversible. Hydroxyl ions were not transported to an appreciable extent by the anion exchange system. The pK values of both sets of groups make it likely that they are both arginyl residues, functioning as anion recognition sites similar to the role of functionally essential arginyl residues observed with numerous enzymes.

Hemoglobin-depleted human erythrocyte ghosts: characterization of morphology and transport functions

A method of preparing hemoglobin-depleted resealed ghosts with an extremely low hemoglobin content is described. The membrane morphology, the crossed immunoelectrophoresis pattern of the membrane proteins, and the transport function of these ghosts have been examined. Electron microscopic examination of the ghosts on hydrophilic as well as hydrophobic grid surfaces revealed a faint filamentous network (spectrin) associated with the membrane. The ghosts were found to have permeabilities towards small polar molecules (water and mannitol) and ions (chloride, sodium, and potassium) which are quantitatively very close to those of intact red cells. It is concluded that white ghosts prepared by the present method are well suited for simultaneous studies of morphology, membrane biochemistry, and membrane transport functions.