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Altered behaviour of erythrocytes in scleroderma
Clinical Science (London, England : 1979)
|November 1, 1983
Summary
Erythrocytes from patients with Raynaud's phenomenon and systemic sclerosis exhibit reduced filterability and increased adherence to endothelial cells, suggesting a role in vascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Rheumatology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Raynaud's phenomenon and progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) are associated with vascular abnormalities.
- Erythrocyte (red blood cell) deformability is crucial for microcirculation.
- Alterations in erythrocyte surface properties may contribute to vascular pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the filterability, electrophoretic velocity, and endothelial cell adherence of erythrocytes from patients with PSS.
- To determine if erythrocyte changes correlate with the vascular manifestations in PSS.
Main Methods:
- Erythrocyte filterability was assessed using filtration techniques.
- Electrophoretic velocity of erythrocytes was measured.
- Adherence of erythrocytes to cultured endothelial cells was quantified.
- Sialic acid density on erythrocyte surfaces was analyzed after neuraminidase treatment.
Main Results:
- Erythrocytes from PSS patients demonstrated significantly decreased filterability compared to healthy controls.
- PSS erythrocytes exhibited lower electrophoretic velocity, indicating reduced surface charge.
- A decrease in neuraminidase-removable sialic acid density (approx. 23%) was observed on PSS erythrocyte surfaces.
- PSS erythrocytes showed increased adherence to endothelial cells.
Conclusions:
- Increased erythrocyte rigidity and adherence in PSS patients may contribute to the pathogenesis of vascular abnormalities.
- Alterations in erythrocyte deformability and surface characteristics are implicated in the vascular complications of PSS.
- These findings highlight potential therapeutic targets related to erythrocyte function in PSS.