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The effect of cyclophosphamide on the ultrastructure of erythrocytes
1Department of Pathological Anatomy, Medical Academy of Białystok.
Abstract:
The aim of the present study was to analyse the effect of single intraperitoneal administration of cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg b.w.) on the morphological changes in erythrocytes. The study of erythrocytes was based on the ultrastructural analysis in the transmission electron microscope (TEM)--in situ examinations and ultrastructural analysis in the scanning electron microscope (SEM)--in vitro examinations of the blood collected from the right and left ventricle of the heart. A single intraperitoneal cyclophosphamide administration was found to cause in the deformability of erythrocytes, which was observed both in TEM and SEM. The altered shape of erythrocytes observed in SEM referred mainly to the blood samples collected from the left ventricle rather than the right. The results obtained suggest that the changes in erythrocyte deformability may cause the development of pulmonary microembolism observed after intraperitoneal administration of cyclophosphamide.
Insights
Cyclophosphamide administration alters erythrocyte (red blood cell) shape and deformability. These changes, particularly in left ventricle blood, may contribute to pulmonary microembolism after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cyclophosphamide is a widely used chemotherapy agent.
- Its administration can lead to various side effects.
- Morphological changes in erythrocytes are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of cyclophosphamide on erythrocyte morphology.
- To analyze ultrastructural changes in erythrocytes using electron microscopy.
- To correlate erythrocyte deformability changes with potential complications.
Main Methods:
- Single intraperitoneal administration of cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg b.w.) in a study model.
- In situ ultrastructural analysis of erythrocytes via transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
- In vitro ultrastructural analysis of erythrocytes via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on blood from cardiac ventricles.
Main Results:
- Cyclophosphamide significantly affected erythrocyte deformability, observable via both TEM and SEM.
- Altered erythrocyte shapes were more pronounced in blood samples from the left ventricle compared to the right.
- These findings indicate a drug-induced change in red blood cell mechanics.
Conclusions:
- Single-dose cyclophosphamide administration induces significant morphological alterations in erythrocytes.
- Altered erythrocyte deformability is a key finding, potentially linked to cardiac and pulmonary effects.
- The study suggests a mechanism for cyclophosphamide-induced pulmonary microembolism via erythrocyte changes.