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Apoptosis and red blood cell echinocytosis: common features
1Bone Marrow Transplantation Department, N.N. Petrov Research Institute of Oncology, St. Petersburg, Russia. vna@camt.spb.su
Scanning Microscopy
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Oxidative stress causes red blood cell (RBC) shape changes, mimicking leukocyte apoptosis. Studying RBCs offers insights into blood cell damage from oxidants and reactive oxygen species.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Apoptosis in nucleated blood cells involves characteristic membrane pathology.
- Red blood cell (RBC) membranes are frequently studied to understand cytotoxic effects.
- Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species are key factors in cellular damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of red blood cell (RBC) shape changes as indicators of oxidative damage.
- To correlate RBC membrane alterations with the processes observed in leukocyte apoptosis.
- To explore the role of oxidants and reactive oxygen species in inducing cellular changes.
Main Methods:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to visualize RBC morphology.
- Induction of echinocyte formation in RBCs using various agents (ionizing radiation, oxidants, etc.).
- Biochemical analysis of membrane alterations in treated RBCs.
Main Results:
- Oxidant-induced echinogenesis in RBCs shares similarities with apoptosis.
- Biochemical changes in oxidant-treated RBCs include lipid oxidation, energy depletion, and loss of lipid asymmetry.
- SEM reliably detects oxidative changes in RBC shape and size, transitioning them to echinocytes.
Conclusions:
- Oxidant-induced changes in RBC shape (echinocytes) provide valuable insights into leukocyte apoptosis.
- RBC membrane pathology under oxidative stress serves as a model for understanding broader cellular apoptosis.
- The study highlights the link between oxidative stress, RBC morphology, and apoptotic pathways.