Genetic and population studies of quantitative levels of adenosine triphosphate in human erythrocytes

Abstract

The mean content of ATP in red cells of American Negroes is significantly less than the mean level in American Caucasians. This is compatible with the hypothesis that the quantitative level of ATP in red cells may be involved in selective processes related to falciparum malaria. There is no evidence of a sex effect on levels of ATP in either population. Family studies conducted in both populations indicate that the quantitative level of red cell ATP is at least partially inherited. Studies of a number of biochemical characteristics of red cells have been conducted in an effort to elucidate the mechanism of genetic and biochemical control of quantitative levels of erythrocytic ATP. These studies have been negative. Although other studies have demonstrated that thalassemia trait influences the level of red cell ATP, the presence of sickle cell trait or G-6-PD deficiency, the other two systems postulated to be involved in malaria protection, did not result in significant differences in mean red cell ATP content.