Interaction of Penicillin and Erythrocytes

The previously determined pH dependance of erythrocyte sensitization by penicillin was confirmed. It was also observed that penicillin does not sensitize erythrocytes at 0° or 4°C. The failure of fluoride, iodo-acetate, ouabain and glucose deprivation to block red blood cell (RBC) sensitization indicates that the sensitization process is independent of metabolic activity. Sensitization of erythrocytes by penicillenic acid was inhibited by serum or molar concentrations of lysine or ε-amino caproic acid. Sensitization of erythrocytes by penicillin was unaffected by the presence of these same agents in the reaction mixture. Treatment of erythrocytes with 1,3-difluoro-4,6-dinitrobenzene or 2,4-dinitro-fluorobenzene prevented sensitization of RBC by penicillenic acid, but did not prevent sensitization by penicillin. These observations suggest that penicillin directly sensitizes erythrocytes without prior transformation to penicillenic acid, and that penicillin may react with a receptor other than the amino group on the red cell surface.