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We have shown different enzymatic activities responsible for the phosphorylation of glucose in pig erythrocytes. These activities were observed after partial purification from hemolyzed red cells. One of the enzymes involved is the hexokinase which is present in all tissues; the other is similar to hepatic glucokinase. We have determined the kinetic properties of these activities in hemolysates and in partially purified preparations. Their electrophoretic-migration characteristics were studied too.

This paper describes a new method for obtaining "in vivo" populations of homogeneous erythrocytes of a specific age. This method, proposed for experimental animals, is based on the induction of a large reticulocytosis (about 80%) by the administration of phenylhydrazine and the subsequent synchronized ageing of young red cells present, which is obtained by blocking the erythropoiesis with daily injections of Actinomycin D. The advantage of such a method over those published so far is that it produces substantial quantities of red blood cells of a specific age. A disadvantage however is that it is only possible to obtain cells of up to 30 days old.