Abstract
In order to be recognized and phagocytosed by Kupffer cells in the liver or by splenic or bone marrow macrophages, the human senescent red blood cells (Sen-RBC) must carry specific surface alterations that are recognized by the phagocytic cell. Previous works have shown that after injection into rabbits, neuraminidase-treated, sialic acid less autologous red blood cells (RBC) are promptly removed from the circulation; intact RBC previously incubated under the same conditions, but without neuraminidase, are removed from the circulation, after a significantly longer period (1–3). These results have suggested a role of sialic acid in the survival time of RBC in the circulation. However, treatment of RBC with sialidase did not result in the rapid clearance of young desialylated cells as might have been expected if loss of sialic acid were the primary signal for cell removal: the half-life of intact Sen-RBC was found to be significantly shorter than that of sialidase-treated young red blood cells (Y-RBC) with a similar sialic acid content (4).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
