Summary. The influence of low concentrations of some hemolysins on the erythrocyte
membrane was investigated. Lysolecithin stimulates Mg^++ as well as
Mg^++ + Na^+ + K^+ dependent ATPase in ghosts. Lecithin slightly stimulates ATPase
only in saponin-treated ghosts. After saponin and digitonin treatment in concentrations
enhancing the ATPase activity less phospholipids were eluted from ghosts than
after water; saponin does not significantly change the level of free cholesterol, digitonin
decreases it, while that of cholesterol esters remains unaltered. The protein
content of ghosts was determined after saponin, digitonin, lysolecithin and lecithin
treatment. The significant change, namely decrease, was found after treatment with
saponin in physiological saline and with digitonin both in distilled water and
physiological saline; after lecithin treatment somewhat less protein was washed
from ghosts' than after distilled water. The obtained results are discussed with
respect to the shape of the erythrocytes and the ATPase activity.