[The effect of Saponinum album Merck on changes in the hemolytic resistance of erythrocytes in relation to age in healthy persons].

The authors elaborated a method for the assessment of the haemolytic resistance of erythrocytes which tests them from the aspect of resistance of their membranes against the haemolytic action of Saponinum album Merck. The physicochemical principle of this method is quite different from the routine test of osmotic resistance of red cells. By the described method red cells of healthy male and female donors aged 4 to 77 years were evaluated. By means of linear regression a significant relationship (with a confidence of 0.999) was proved between parameter M (saponin concentration producing 50% haemolysis (and age). From the evaluation it is apparent that with advancing age in man the resistance of red cell membranes against saponin action declines. From this and from known findings on the mechanism of saponin haemolysis it may be concluded that red cells of all age groups cannot be considered equal as regards the quality of membranes and that these cells undergo certain changes in the course of the lifetime of the individual.