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Electron microscopic examination of common red cell ghosts: cytoplasmic contamination
Physiological Chemistry and Physics
|January 1, 1979
Summary
Red blood cell ghost preparations, often used to study active transport, may not be hollow. Further research is needed to reexamine active solute transport in these cell models.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Biochemistry
- Membrane transport
Background:
- Red blood cell ghosts are commonly used to demonstrate active solute transport.
- These preparations are believed to show movement against concentration gradients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reexamine the validity of red blood cell ghost preparations for active transport studies.
- To highlight potential artifacts in ghost preparations.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopic examination of red blood cell ghost preparations.
- Analysis of cytoplasmic macromolecule content within ghosts.
Main Results:
- Electron microscopy revealed significant amounts of cytoplasmic macromolecules, including hemoglobin, remaining in ghost preparations.
- Many ghost preparations were not hollow as previously assumed.
Conclusions:
- The integrity of red blood cell ghost preparations for demonstrating active transport needs reevaluation.
- Future studies using ghost preparations for active transport should include electron micrographs to validate preparation quality.