Cation Channels in Erythrocytes - Historical and Future Perspective

Abstract

Compared to ion pumps and carriers, ion channels have been quite late recognised as individual transport identities in red blood cells. Here the transition from cell population based flux experiments to single cell based patchclamp investigations are described in detail. The present knowledge of cation channels in red blood cells from their molecular identity to their electrophysiological properties are summarised. Tendencies and novel concepts for future research concerning ion-transport across the red blood cell membrane are discussed.