In vitro inhibitory effects of disodium cromoglycate on ionic transports involved in sickle cell dehydration.
BACKGROUND
The antiallergic and antiasthmatic drug disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) has also demonstrated an activity against sickle cell disease, but the mechanism of this action still remains unknown.


METHODS
Na(+) and K(+) fluxes were studied in red cells obtained from 9 patients affected with sickle cell disease in the absence or in the presence of 1 mM of DSCG and deoxygenated under an N(2) flow during up to 24 h.


RESULTS
A significant inhibiting effect of DSCG on the intracellular K(+) exit and the Na(+) entry was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrate that DSCG partially inhibits the abnormal K(+) loss which is implicated in the dehydration of the sickle cell and the stimulation of sickling.
Bizumukama
Léonidas
L
Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Institut de Pharmacie, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium.
Ferster
Alina
A
Gulbis
Béatrice
B
Kumps
Alain
A
Cotton
Frédéric
F
D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000097:blood*; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003681:Dehydration; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D017136:Ion Transport / Q000187:drug effects*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D012964:Sodium / Q000097:blood
D006454:Hemoglobins; D012964:Sodium; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium; D011188:Potassium; D010100:Oxygen