Does cell density correlate with red cell age?
We have examined age-related changes in red cells by employing a serial hypertransfusion protocol to generate populations of in vivo-aged mouse red cells. Studies of these old cells have revealed alterations in membrane components; namely, a conversion of band 4.1b to 4.1a and an increase in the amount of membrane-associated, Triton-insoluble globin. Furthermore, we have found that the erythrocyte does change in density, but only during the earliest stages of its life-span. As the cell continues to age, there is no longer a correlation between age and density.
D000818:Animals; D001775:Blood Circulation; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D004905:Erythrocyte Aging; D004906:Erythrocyte Count; D007504:Iron Radioisotopes; D051379:Mice; D013997:Time Factors
D007504:Iron Radioisotopes