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In vitro generation of dysmorphic erythrocytes
P Schramek1, A Moritsch, H Haschkowitz
1Department of Urology, Allgem, Poliklinik, Austria.
Kidney International
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Dysmorphic red blood cells in urine indicate kidney bleeding. In vitro studies show that red blood cells exposed to a hemolytic environment develop membrane changes similar to those seen in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Hematology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Dysmorphic red blood cells in urine sediment suggest glomerular bleeding.
- The in vivo mechanisms causing red blood cell membrane changes remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro mechanisms causing dysmorphic red blood cell membrane alterations.
- To simulate the nephron's osmotic and enzymatic conditions for red blood cells.
Main Methods:
- Normal human red blood cells were exposed to simulated nephron environments in vitro.
- Cells were subsequently subjected to hemolytic conditions.
- Morphology was assessed using light and electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Simulated nephron conditions alone did not cause red blood cell dysmorphism.
- Exposure to a hemolytic environment induced dysmorphic changes in 50-90% of pre-treated red blood cells.
- In vitro dysmorphic cells were indistinguishable from in vivo samples.
Conclusions:
- Osmotically challenged red blood cells develop dysmorphic membrane alterations when exposed to a hemolytic environment.
- Hemolysis, not just passage through the nephron, is critical for inducing these characteristic changes.