Potassium Loss from Human Erythrocytes Exposed to Amphotericin B

Abstract

When fresh human erythrocytes are suspended in buffered solution containing amphotericin B, potassium loss begins within 3 minutes and continues for some time before appreciable hemolysis occurs. The kinetics of the potassium loss indicate that amphotericin B markedly increases cell membrane permeability. The concentration difference of potassium ion across the cell membrane decays at a rate which depends on the dose of amphotericin B.