Sphingosine Increases ATP Release From Red Blood Cells

RBC plays a pivotal role in oxygen delivery, improving distribution where it needs. When RBC enters a low oxygen area, a mechanism mediated by a signaling pathway releases ATP, responsible for vasodilatation.

Clarify the potential role of sphingosine on the release of ATP from RBC.

ATP release increases after sphingosine exposure in RBC under low oxygen conditions. ATP release in deoxygenated RBC shows data like that of control RBC: (1) RBC after band 3 modification by 4,4'- diisothio-cyanato-stilbene- 2,2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS); (2) CO-treated RBC.

Unlike phosphofructokinase, adenylate cyclase (AC) activity increases after exposure to sphingosine.

We show that cAMP synthesis and ATP release are not failed in sphingosine-treated red blood cells in response to incubation with mastoparan 7, forskolin plus 3-isobutyl-1-methyl xanthine, agents that stimulate cAMP synthesis.

Deoxy-hemoglobin, band 3, and AC are involved in the signaling pathway responsible for ATP released after sphingosine exposure.