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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
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Induction of Eryptosis in Red Blood Cells Using a Calcium Ionophore
Published on: January 21, 2020
Temperature sensitivity of suicidal erythrocyte death
Michael Föller1, Manuel Braun, Syed M Qadri
1Department of Physiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|May 12, 2010
Summary
Hyperthermia induces suicidal erythrocyte death (eryptosis), characterized by cell shrinkage and phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure. This eryptosis, driven by calcium influx, may explain temperature-associated anemia.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Cell Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Fever and hyperthermia are often linked to anemia, typically viewed as independent clinical outcomes.
- This study investigates if temperature-sensitive suicidal erythrocyte death, or eryptosis, contributes to anemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the link between hyperthermia and eryptosis.
- To determine the mechanisms by which temperature affects erythrocyte integrity and survival.
Main Methods:
- Assessed phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure using Annexin V-binding.
- Measured erythrocyte volume via forward scatter.
- Quantified cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) activity with Fluo 3 fluorescence.
- Determined ceramide levels and cytosolic ATP concentration.
Main Results:
- Elevated temperatures (37-41°C) reduced erythrocyte volume and increased PS exposure.
- These changes correlated with higher cytosolic Ca2+ and lower ATP levels.
- Hyperthermia-induced PS exposure was partially inhibited by the CysLT1 antagonist cinalukast.
Conclusions:
- Hyperthermia promotes Ca2+ influx into erythrocytes, causing cell shrinkage and PS exposure.
- The resulting eryptosis and subsequent clearance of erythrocytes may lead to anemia.
