Evidence for anionic cation transport of lithium, sodium and potassium across the human erythrocyte membrane induced by divalent anions.

1. The passive net transport of Li+ and Na+ across the human red cell membrane was accelerated by the divalent anions carbonate, sulphite, oxalate, phosphite and malonate. Phthalate, maleate, sulphate and succinate were found additionally to stimulate downhill transport of K+. Marked differences in anion efficacy and selectivity were observed. 2. The effects of these 'carbonate type' anions were reversible and fully blocked by SITS, dipyridamole and other inhibitors of anion transfer. 3. Cation transport acceleration induced by the monovalent anions salicylate, benzoate, thiocyanate and 2,4-dinitrophenol were inhibited by dipyridamole, but not affected by SITS. A great number of mono- and polyvalent anions were without detectable influence on Li+ transport. 4. Li+ net uptake induced by oxalate exhibited a pH dependence similar to that reported for halide self exchange. 5. Transport acceleration by carbonate type anions displayed a linear, 1:1 dependence on the concentrations of both the anion and the cation and was symmetric with respect to the two sides of the membrane. 6. It is concluded that the divalent carbonate type anions form singly charged, negative 1:1 ion pairs with the respective alkali metal cations, the ion pairs traversing the red cell membrane via the anion exchange pathway. This concept of anionic formation of some of the ion pairs considered. The relative efficacies and cation selectivities of polyvalent anions can largely be explained on the basis of electrostatic interactions governing ion pair formation. However, the chelating properties, structural flexibility, polarizability of the anions and the accessibility of the ion pairs to the anion exchange pathway need also be considered. 7. An exchange of NaCO-3 ion pairs for internal HCO-3 or Cl- is discussed as a possible mode of cellular pH regulation.