AJP - Cell Physiology, Vol 245, Issue 5 457-C461, Copyright © 1983 by American Physiological Society
Metabolic control in a state of decreased activation: modulation of red cell metabolism
R. Jevning, A. F. Wilson, H. Pirkle, J. P. O'Halloran and R. N. Walsh
Very little is known in depth of the biochemical and physiological changes
induced at the cellular level by human behavioral states. For study of the
physiology of behavior at this level, the erythrocyte may be useful,
because it is readily available and its metabolism and metabolic control
are comparatively well understood. In this report we describe a marked
decline of red cell glycolytic rate induced by the transcendental
meditation technique (TM). This decline was significantly correlated with
decreased plasma lactate concentration and with relaxation as indicated by
electrodermal response. The occurrence of sleep was not correlated with the
metabolic changes. The observed lack of variation of blood pH, blood gases,
glucose, and hematocrit in this behavior implies that the decrease of
erythrocyte metabolism is not an epiphenomenon of respiratory change or
substrate availability. Based upon further measurements indicating
persisting alteration of the red blood cell, we suggest the possibility of
attachment of a humoral agent(s) to the cell in the mechanism of this
effect. This behavioral effect is unique, and the effector(s) responsible
may increase our understanding of metabolic control of the erythrocyte and
of TM.
