Effect of papaverine on erythrocyte membrane ATPases in sickle cell anaemia

Abstract

In-vitro studies were carried out using blood samples of different genotypes AA, AS, and SS obtained from volun- teers to ascertain the effect of Papaverine as a plausible drug in the management of sickle cell anaemia. Some haematological parameters as well as Ca²⁺-ATPase and Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase specific activities were investigated before and after incubation with Papaverine. Results of haemoglobin tests showed that haemoglobin levels in the SS red cells (11.8g/dl) were lower when compared to AA (14.0g/dl) and AS red cells (15.8g/dl). The result of erythrocyte sedimentation rate showed that SS red cells (8mm/hr) had higher value when compared to AS (4mm/hr) and AA red cells (3mm/hr). Plasma Ca²⁺ levels were found to be higher in SS (12.9mg) when compared to AA (11.1mg) and AS (8.1mg). There was significant reduction in protein concentration after incubation with Papaverine in the three groups. Papaverine significantly reduced the specific activities of the two ATPases. The highest percentage inhibi- tion was obtained with the SS red cells (91.56±0.26% and 94.14±0.40% for Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺-ATPase respectively).