TOBIOJ The Open Biology Journal Open Biol. J. 1874-1967 Bentham Open TOBIOJ-4-27 10.2174/1874196701104010027 Biology Cation Channels in Erythrocytes - Historical and Future Perspective Kaestner Lars * Institute for Molecular Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany. Address correspondence to this author at the Institute for Molecular Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany; Tel: +49 6841 1626 103; Fax: +49 6841 1626104; E-mail: dr.lars.kaestner@uniklinikum-saarland.de 31 01 2011 2011 04 27 34 15 12 2009 04 07 2010 15 07 2010 © 2011 Lars Kaestner. 2011 Lars Kaestner

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Compared to ion pumps and carriers, ion channels have been quite late recognised as individual transport identities in red blood cells. Here the transition from cell population based flux experiments to single cell based patchclamp investigations are described in detail. The present knowledge of cation channels in red blood cells from their molecular identity to their electrophysiological properties are summarised. Tendencies and novel concepts for future research concerning ion-transport across the red blood cell membrane are discussed.

 Keywords Red blood cells calcium homeostasis cation flux electrophysiology patch-clamp