Structural changes of erythrocyte membranes in muscllar dystrophy

Erythrocytes from dystrophic hamsters and patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy were examined for structural changes using light microscopical methods. The effects of specimen preparation were also investigated. The proportions present of echinocytes were significantly greater in dystrophic hamsters and humans when compared with their respective controls. In the dystrophic hamsters, the progression of the myopathy caused a significant increase in erythrocyte membrane deformations. With dystrophic patients, age-related changes were seen, but these were not statistically significant. These findings were discussed with relation to specimen preparation and the use of haematological techniques in the detection of carriers of muscular dystrophy.