Interaction of liposomes with human erythrocytes

Interaction of liposomes (phospholipid vesicles) with human erythrocytes was studied by means of a spectroscopic method. Transfer of hemoglobin between liposomes and erythrocytes was observed. This transfer was mediated by a migration of band 3 proteins. In this case, a transfer of band 4.5 also was observed by means of electrophoresis. An interaction of lipid monomers from the liposomes with the erythrocyte membranes seemed to be closely correlated to the transfer of these proteins. It was presumed that this interaction induced some changes in the molecular organization of the cell membranes around band 3, resulting in release of the proteins from the erythrocyte membranes.