Measurement of Permeability of the Cell Membrane to Water

The water permeability was measured for blood cells from normal subjects and for blood cells from patients with leukemia. The method of measurement of the kinetics of water influx employed a stopped flow apparatus. The method of calculation of results was based on irreversible thermodynamics. The measurements and calculations were both performed with the assistance of a computer. The water permeability of the leukemic cells was decreased from normal, and the values were more variable than normal. Leukemia changes the structure of the cell membrane