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Changes in the Concentration of Potassium in the Erythrocytes and in Hæmoglobin Type in Merino Sheep under a Severe Anæmic Stress

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Abstract

MOST breeds of sheep are polymorphic with respect to the concentration of potassium in their erythrocytes (70–90 m.equiv. K+ (HK) or 10–20 m.equiv. K+ (LK) per litre of red cells1) and hæmoglobin type (Hb A, B or AB2). High concentrations of K+ (approximately 110 m.equiv./1.), which fall to normal adult levels 60–100 days after birth, are found in the erythrocytes of all foetal lambs3. In the erythrocytes of normal adult sheep the mean concentration of potassium remains relatively constant over long periods4, but during an anæmic episode in LK animals the concentration is markedly increased5.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales

    M. H. BLUNT & J. V. EVANS

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  1. M. H. BLUNT
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  2. J. V. EVANS
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BLUNT, M., EVANS, J. Changes in the Concentration of Potassium in the Erythrocytes and in Hæmoglobin Type in Merino Sheep under a Severe Anæmic Stress. Nature 200, 1215–1216 (1963). https://doi.org/10.1038/2001215b0

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