A biochemical study of erythrocytes in Swedish families with beta-thalassaemia minor.

Abstract

In three ‘aboriginal’ Swedish families with β‐thalassaemia minor the contents of Ery‐Hb A2 and Ery‐Hb F seem not to vary with time (age). The results were entirely the same in both young and adult β‐thalassaemic individuals. The erythrocyte contents of hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase, aldolase, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase and glutathione reductase expressed per unit volume of cells were increased in accordance with findings in β‐thalassaemia minor from the Mediterranean area.The erythrocyte concentrations of ATP and ADP, also calculated as per cent volume of cells, were decreased, the concentrations of G6P + F6P and DPG increased. These findings are not specific for the disease, as they have also been registered in iron deficiency anaemia. There are indications, however, that the glycolytic system of β‐thalassaemic erythrocytes can increase the oxygen releasing capacity of the haemoglobin mass to the same extent as in other types of anaemia.