Red cells in hereditary spherocytosis (HS) have a decreased ratio of membrane surface area to cell volume and therefore a spheroidal shape. This abnormality in shape predisposes them to pooling and destruction in the spleen. Although splenectomy prevents hemolysis in HS, the red cell defect, as manifested by spheroidicity, increased autohemolysis, excesive permeability to sodium, and hypermetabolism, persists. The role of membrane lipids in these manifestations in vitro and in cell survival in vivo was examined.
R. A. Cooper, J. H. Jandl
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