Erythrocyte membrane of hereditary spherocytosis: Alteration in surface ultrastructure and membrane proteins, as inferred by scanning electron microscopy and sds-disc gel electrophoresis

Abstract

Erythrocyte membrane proteins of a hereditary spherocytosis patient with a severe anemia were analysed by SDS-disc electrophoresis according to the method of Fairbanks et al. A defective protein band IVb was found. Surface features of the patient's red cells were examined by scanning electron microscopy which showed many deformed erythrocytes with peculiar shape. The lipid composition of erythrocyte membranes from hereditary spherocytosis was not changed.