Shape changes in caprine erythrocytes exposed to chlorpromazine and lysolecithin

Stomatocytic and echinocytic transformations of caprine erythrocytes were studied in vitro using chlorpromazine as a stomatocyyic agent and lysolecithin as an echinocytic agent. Morphologic changes in erythrocytes generally varied with the cell shape and the concentration of the substances used. Discoytic, triangular, and pear-shaped red cells common to normal goats, exhibited classical stomatocytic and echinocytic changes with formation of spherostomatocytes, sphero-echinocytes, and spherocytes. In comparison, fusiform and spindle-shaped red cells found in certain Angora goats seemed less prone to shape changes and required greater concentrations of the inducing agents to effect such changes. Chlorpromazine at higher concentrations also inflicted localized membrane damage in form of tiny pits and lysolecithin likewise induced formation of fragile smooth or beaded filaments.