Red Blood Cell Physiology Research Articles

Anemia

To provide an overview of the disorders that cause anemia and to review clinical and laboratory assessment and medical and nursing management of the anemic patient. Published articles and book chapters that pertain to red blood cell physiology and the major causes and types of anemia. Advances in molecular and genetic aspects of anemia are leading to new developments in the diagnosis and management of all types of anemia. Symptomatic relief to maintain quality of life is essential for all anemic patients. Nurses can play a major role in the supportive care of patients with anemia through interventions related to pharmacological therapy, blood transfusions, nutritional counseling, and symptom management.

Determination of thiamine and its phosphate esters in human erythrocytes by high-performance liquid chromatography with isocratic elution

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of thiamine and its phosphate esters in human erythrocytes, using postcolumn derivatization, is presented. The sample preparation and the choice of the analytical column avoid the use of an elution gradient. The four thiamine compounds (thiamine and thiamine monophosphate, diphosphate and triphosphate) are eluted within less than 15 min with a detection limit of ca. 20 fmol. The reproducibility and accuracy of the assay are satisfactory. Normal physiological red blood cell concentrations of the four thiamine compounds are included.

Erythropoietin overview--1993.

Knowledge continues to grow on the biology of endogenous erythropoietin (EPO), its effects on red blood cell physiology, and the use of the recombinant form of the hormone. In addition to oxygen delivery, oxygen consumption may be important in stimulating EPO production. This production is likely mediated by an intracellular messenger system other than cAMP. Once released, EPO prevents programmed cell death of BFU-E and CFU-E cells. Recent evidence suggests that lack of EPO, rather than the presence of EPO inhibitors, is the cause of the anemia seen in renal patients. Recombinant EPO has been available clinically since mid 1989. Nearly two thirds of dialysis patients are receiving this agent, although low doses are the rule, with the average hematocrit achieved of only 31%. EPO dosing has been subjected to kinetic modeling that has revealed a wide range in RBC half-life from patient to patient. This accounts in part for the varying maintenance dosing requirements. An additional modulating factor in the response to EPO is severe, secondary hyperparathyroidism with bone marrow fibrosis which may be reversible with medical or surgical parathyroidectomy. Hypertension continues to occur in 20-35% of patients given EPO. This effect may be mediated by endothelin which appears to be stimulated by EPO administration. Treatment of the anemia of renal failure leads to many organ system benefits including improved muscle metabolism, decreased left ventricular hypertrophy, enhanced immune responses to hepatitis vaccine, and improved brain electrophysiology. he optimal target hematocrit to achieve the greatest benefits for the patient at an acceptable cost remains to be determined.

Hematologic Abnormalities in Patients with Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders

A wide variety of endocrine disorders can be associated with hematologic dysfunction. Usually the hematologic manifestations of endocrine disease are mild to moderate and self-limited. Correction of the endocrinopathy should result in clearing of the hematologic disturbance. Whereas it is prudent to recognize the impact of endocrinology on red cell, leukocyte, platelet, and coagulation physiology, serious hematologic disorders are usually not solely the result of endocrinopathies but are instead associated or coincident abnormalities. There are some situations (e.g., the coagulopathies associated with Cushing's syndrome, oral contraceptive use, or hypothyroidism) in which an appreciation of the attendant hematologic abnormalities may prompt preventative actions.

The Red Cell: An Account of Its Chemical Physiology and Pathology

This monograph on the red blood cell is a most informative volume for clinicians and investigators interested in the basic aspects of the red blood cell. Written in a clear style, this book is a critical review of the tremendous advances that have been made in our knowledge of red blood cell physiology and hematology. Outstanding are the discussions of metabolism and molecular structures. All aspects that have been covered are well referenced. It was somewhat disappointing to find a minimal amount of material on low-temperature storage. Compensating for this is a jewel of a chapter on the Red cells of different species, which tabulates neatly many facts that basic workers require in their animal work.

The Red Cell; an Account of Its Chemical Physiology and Pathology

To say that the erythrocyte is not an important aspect of the human machine would border on asininity. An understanding of red blood cell physiology and pathology is of prime importance to all physicians. An author who can collect all available and pertinent information on the red blood cell should be commended. While such a monograph does not become a bedtime story, it can be a wonderful aid to the physician and researcher. In this volume, both can find complete references. The accurate subject and author indices also add to the value of this commendable work. Part one of the monograph discusses the normal physiology of the red blood cell in relation to its morphology and aging, molecular structure, permeability, metabolism, hemolytic mechanism, and blood storage. The second part, which deals with the pathological red blood cell, makes note of the morphological changes, molecular changes, and hemolytic mechanisms. An extra