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Evidence for erythrocyte-microvesiculation in vivo
Anatomischer Anzeiger
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Physiologic aging causes red blood cells (RBCs) to lose membrane, likely through microvesicle shedding. This study demonstrates that aged RBCs can release microvesicles in narrow blood flow, such as the spleen.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Erythrocytes (RBCs) lose membrane during aging.
- Microvesicle shedding is a proposed mechanism for membrane loss.
- In vivo detection of RBC microvesicles is challenging due to low levels and rapid clearance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the shedding of microvesicles from aged red blood cells.
- To explore the role of microvesiculation in RBC aging.
- To provide evidence for in vivo microvesicle formation from aged RBCs.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical investigations of aged erythrocytes.
- Analysis of spleen tissues following phenylhydrazine (PHZ) treatment.
- Intravenous injection of heat-induced RBC microvesicles to study clearance.
Main Results:
- Biochemical data support membrane loss in aging RBCs.
- PHZ-induced treatment clearly demonstrated RBC microvesicles in spleen.
- RBC microvesicles injected intravenously were rapidly cleared by the reticulo-histiocytic system.
Conclusions:
- Aged, rigid RBCs can shed microvesicles.
- Microvesiculation likely occurs in narrow blood flow areas like the spleen.
- This process contributes to membrane loss during physiologic RBC aging.