Deoxygenation and elevation of intracellular magnesium induce tyrosine phosphorylation of band 3 in human erythrocytes

Metabolite and protein shifts in mature erythrocyte under hypoxia

As the only cell type responsible for oxygen delivery, erythrocytes play a crucial role in supplying oxygen to hypoxic tissues, ensuring their normal functions. Hypoxia commonly occurs under physiological or pathological conditions, and understanding how erythrocytes adapt to hypoxia is fundamental for exploring the mechanisms of hypoxic diseases. Additionally, investigating acute and chronic mountain sickness caused by plateaus, which are naturally hypoxic environments, will aid in the study of hypoxic diseases. In recent years, increasingly developed proteomics and metabolomics technologies have become powerful tools for studying mature enucleated erythrocytes, which has significantly contributed to clarifying how hypoxia affects erythrocytes. The aim of this article is to summarize the composition of the cytoskeleton and cytoplasmic proteins of hypoxia-altered erythrocytes and explore the impact of hypoxia on their essential functions. Furthermore, we discuss the role of microRNAs in the adaptation of erythrocytes to hypoxia, providing new perspectives on hypoxia-related diseases.

Signaling mechanisms in red blood cells: A view through the protein phosphorylation and deformability

Intracellular signaling mechanisms in red blood cells (RBCs) involve various protein kinases and phosphatases and enable rapid adaptive responses to hypoxia, metabolic requirements, oxidative stress, or shear stress by regulating the physiological properties of the cell. Protein phosphorylation is a ubiquitous mechanism for intracellular signal transduction, volume regulation, and cytoskeletal organization in RBCs. Spectrin-based cytoskeleton connects integral membrane proteins, band 3 and glycophorin C to junctional proteins, ankyrin and Protein 4.1. Phosphorylation leads to a conformational change in the protein structure, weakening the interactions between proteins in the cytoskeletal network that confers a more flexible nature for the RBC membrane. The structural organization of the membrane and the cytoskeleton determines RBC deformability that allows cells to change their ability to deform under shear stress to pass through narrow capillaries. The shear stress sensing mechanisms and oxygenation-deoxygenation transitions regulate cell volume and mechanical properties of the membrane through the activation of ion transporters and specific phosphorylation events mediated by signal transduction. In this review, we summarize the roles of Protein kinase C, cAMP-Protein kinase A, cGMP-nitric oxide, RhoGTPase, and MAP/ERK pathways in the modulation of RBC deformability in both healthy and disease states. We emphasize that targeting signaling elements may be a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hemoglobinopathies or channelopathies. We expect the present review will provide additional insights into RBC responses to shear stress and hypoxia via signaling mechanisms and shed light on the current and novel treatment options for pathophysiological conditions.

Proteomic Analysis of the Role of the Adenylyl Cyclase-cAMP Pathway in Red Blood Cell Mechanical Responses

Red blood cell (RBC) deformability is modulated by the phosphorylation status of the cytoskeletal proteins that regulate the interactions of integral transmembrane complexes. Proteomic studies have revealed that receptor-related signaling molecules and regulatory proteins involved in signaling cascades are present in RBCs. In this study, we investigated the roles of the cAMP signaling mechanism in modulating shear-induced RBC deformability and examined changes in the phosphorylation of the RBC proteome. We implemented the inhibitors of adenylyl cyclase (SQ22536), protein kinase A (H89), and phosphodiesterase (PDE) (pentoxifylline) to whole blood samples, applied 5 Pa shear stress (SS) for 300 s with a capillary tubing system, and evaluated RBC deformability using a LORRCA MaxSis. The inhibition of signaling molecules significantly deteriorated shear-induced RBC deformability (p < 0.05). Capillary SS slightly increased the phosphorylation of RBC cytoskeletal proteins. Tyrosine phosphorylation was significantly elevated by the modulation of the cAMP/PKA pathway (p < 0.05), while serine phosphorylation significantly decreased as a result of the inhibition of PDE (p < 0.05). AC is the core element of this signaling pathway, and PDE works as a negative feedback mechanism that could have potential roles in SS-induced RBC deformability. The cAMP/PKA pathway could regulate RBC deformability during capillary transit by triggering significant alterations in the phosphorylation state of RBCs.

In vitro assay for single-cell characterization of impaired deformability in red blood cells under recurrent episodes of hypoxia

Red blood cells (RBCs) are subjected to recurrent changes in shear stress and oxygen tension during blood circulation. The cyclic shear stress has been identified as an important factor that alone can weaken cell mechanical deformability. The effects of cyclic hypoxia on cellular biomechanics have yet to be fully investigated. As the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin plays a key role in the biological function and mechanical performance of RBCs, the repeated transitions of hemoglobin between its R (high oxygen tension) and T (low oxygen tension) states may impact their mechanical behavior. The present study focuses on developing a novel microfluidic-based assay for characterization of the effects of cyclic hypoxia on cell biomechanics. The capability of this assay is demonstrated by a longitudinal study of individual RBCs in health and sickle cell disease subjected to cyclic hypoxia conditions of various durations and levels of low oxygen tension. The viscoelastic properties of cell membranes are extracted from tensile stretching and relaxation processes of RBCs induced by the electrodeformation technique. Results demonstrate that cyclic hypoxia alone can significantly reduce cell deformability, similar to the fatigue damage accumulated through cyclic mechanical loading. RBCs affected by sickle cell disease are less deformable (significantly higher membrane shear modulus and viscosity) than normal RBCs. The fatigue resistance of sickle RBCs to the cyclic hypoxia challenge is significantly inferior to that of normal RBCs, and this trend is more significant in mature erythrocytes of sickle cells. When the oxygen affinity of sickle hemoglobin is enhanced by anti-sickling drug treatment of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (5-HMF), sickle RBCs show ameliorated resistance to fatigue damage induced by cyclic hypoxia. These results indicate an important biophysical mechanism underlying RBC senescence in which the cyclic hypoxia challenge alone can lead to mechanical degradation of the RBC membrane. We envision that the application of this assay can be further extended to RBCs in other blood diseases and other cell types.

Quantifying dynamic range in red blood cell energetics: Evidence of progressive energy failure during storage

BACKGROUND

During storage, red blood cells (RBCs) undergo significant biochemical and morphologic changes, referred to collectively as the "storage lesion". It was hypothesized that these defects may arise from disrupted oxygen-based regulation of RBC energy metabolism, with resultant depowering of intrinsic antioxidant systems.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

As a function of storage duration, the dynamic range in RBC metabolic response to three models of biochemical oxidant stress (methylene blue, hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase, and diamide) was assessed, comparing glycolytic flux by NMR and UHPLC-MS methodologies. Blood was processed/stored under standard conditions (AS-1 additive solution) with leukoreduction. Over a 6-week period, RBC metabolic and antioxidant status were assessed at baseline and following exposure to the three biochemical oxidant models. Comparison was made of glycolytic flux (¹ H-NMR tracking of [2-¹³ C]-glucose and metabolomic phenotyping with [1,2,3-¹³ C₃ ] glucose), reducing equivalent (NADPH/NADP⁺ ) recycling, and thiol-based (GSH/GSSG) antioxidant status.

RESULTS

As a function of storage duration, we observed the following: (1) a reduction in baseline hexose monophosphate pathway (HMP) flux, the sole pathway responsible for the regeneration of the essential reducing equivalent NADPH; with (2) diminished stress-based dynamic range in both overall glycolytic as well as proportional HMP flux. In addition, progressive with storage duration, RBCs showed (3) constraint in reducing equivalent (NADPH) recycling capacity, (4) loss of thiol based (GSH) recycling capacity, and (5) dysregulation of metabolon assembly at the cytoplasmic domain of Band 3 membrane protein (cdB3).

CONCLUSION

Blood storage disturbs normal RBC metabolic control, depowering antioxidant capacity and enhancing vulnerability to oxidative injury.

Calcium/protein kinase C signaling mechanisms in shear-induced mechanical responses of red blood cells

Red blood cell (RBC) deformability has vital importance for microcirculation in the body, as RBCs travel in narrow capillaries under shear stress. Deformability can be defined as a remarkable cell ability to change shape in response to an external force which allows the cell to pass through the narrowest blood capillaries. Previous studies showed that RBC deformability could be regulated by Ca²⁺/protein kinase C (PKC) signaling mechanisms due to the phosphorylative changes in RBC membrane proteins by kinases and phosphatases. We investigated the roles of Ca²⁺/PKC signaling pathway on RBC mechanical responses and impaired RBC deformability under continuous shear stress (SS). A protein kinase C inhibitor Chelerythrine, a tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor Calpeptin, and a calcium channel blocker Verapamil were applied into human blood samples in 1 micromolar concentration. Samples with drugs were treated with or without 3 mM Ca²⁺. A shear stress at 5 Pa level was applied to each sample continuously for 300 s. RBC deformability was measured by a laser-assisted optical rotational cell analyzer (LORRCA) and was calculated as the change in elongation index (EI) of RBC upon a range of shear stress (SS, 0.3-50 Pa). RBC mechanical stress responses were evaluated before and after continuous SS through the parameterization of EI-SS curves. The drug administrations did not produce any significant alterations in RBC mechanical responses when they were applied alone. However, the application of the drugs together with Ca²⁺ substantially increased RBC deformability compared to calcium alone. Verapamil significantly improved Ca²⁺-induced impairments of deformability both before and after 5 Pa SS exposure (p < 0.0001). Calpeptin and Chelerythrine significantly ameliorated impaired deformability only after continuous SS (p < 0.05). Shear-induced improvements of deformability were conserved by the drug administrations although shear-induced deformability was impaired when the drugs were applied with calcium. The blocking of Ca²⁺ channel by Verapamil improved impaired RBC mechanical responses independent of the SS effect. The inhibition of tyrosine phosphatase and protein kinase C by Calpeptin and Chelerythrine, respectively, exhibited ameliorating effects on calcium-impaired deformability with the contribution of shear stress. The modulation of Ca²⁺/PKC signaling pathway could regulate the mechanical stress responses of RBCs when cells are under continuous SS exposure. Shear-induced improvements in the mechanical properties of RBCs by this signaling mechanism could facilitate RBC flow in the microcirculation of pathophysiological disorders, wherein Ca²⁺ homeostasis is disturbed and RBC deformability is reduced.

Red Blood Cell Dysfunction in Critical Illness

Oxygen (O2) delivery, which is fundamental to supporting patients with critical illness, is a function of blood O2 content and flow. This article reviews red blood cell (RBC) physiology and dysfunction relevant to disordered O2 delivery in the critically ill. Flow is the focus of O2 delivery regulation: O2 content is relatively fixed, whereas flow fluctuates greatly. Thus, blood flow volume and distribution vary to maintain coupling between O2 delivery and demand. This article reviews conventional RBC physiology influencing O2 delivery and introduces a paradigm for O2 delivery homeostasis based on coordinated gas transport and vascular signaling by RBCs.

From Experiments to Simulation: Shear-Induced Responses of Red Blood Cells to Different Oxygen Saturation Levels

Red blood cells (RBC) carry and deliver oxygen (O₂) to peripheral tissues through different microcirculatory regions where they are exposed to various levels of shear stress (SS). O₂ affinity of hemoglobin (Hb) decreases as the blood enters the microcirculation. This phenomenon determines Hb interactions with RBC membrane proteins that can further regulate the structure of cytoskeleton and affect the mechanical properties of cells. The goal of this study is to evaluate shear-induced RBC deformability and simulate RBC dynamics in blood flow under oxygenated and deoxygenated conditions. Venous blood samples from healthy donors were oxygenated with ambient air or deoxygenated with 100% nitrogen gas for 10 min and immediately applied into an ektacytometer (LORRCA). RBC deformability was measured before and after the application of continuous 5 Pa SS for 300 s by LORRCA and recorded as elongation index (EI) values. A computational model was generated for the simulation of blood flow in a real carotid artery section. EI distribution throughout the artery and its relationships with velocity, pressure, wall SS and viscosity were determined by computational tools. RBC deformability significantly increased in deoxygenation compared to oxygenated state both before and after 5 Pa SS implementation (p < 0.0001). However, EI values after continuous SS were not significant at higher SS levels (>5.15 Pa) in deoxygenated condition. Simulation results revealed that the velocity gradient dominates the generation of SS and the shear thinning effect of blood has a minor effect on it. Distribution of EI was calculated during oxygenation/deoxygenation which is 5-10 times higher around the vessel wall compared to the center of the lumen for sections of the pulsatile flow profile. The extent of RBC deformability increases as RBCs approach to the vessel wall in a real 3D artery model and this increment is higher for deoxygenated condition compared to the oxygenated state. Hypoxia significantly increases shear-induced RBC deformability. RBCs could regulate their own mechanical properties in blood flow by increasing their deformability in hypoxic conditions. Computational tools can be applied for defining hypoxia-mediated RBC deformability changes to monitor blood flow in hypoxic tissues.

Hemoglobin deoxygenation and methemoglobinemia prevent regulatory volume decrease in crucian carp (Carassius carassius) red blood cells

Fish red blood cells (RBCs) exhibit an oxygen-dependent regulatory volume decrease (RVD) in hypoosmotic environment. In higher vertebrates, membrane-associated hemoglobin is involved in the regulation of osmotic ion movements across the cellular membrane. However, whether the hemoglobin conformational state plays a role in the regulation of osmotic responses in fish red blood cells is still not fully understood. We found that changes in hemoglobin conformation influence the pattern of the regulatory volume decrease in Carassius carassius red blood cells. In oxygenated cells (96.4 ± 3.7% oxygenated hemoglobin), the volume recovery was completed within 125 min. Deoxygenation of hemoglobin (96.5 ± 2.7% of deoxygenated hemoglobin) inhibited the volume decrease in hyposmotically swollen red blood cells. Reoxygenation restored regulatory volume decrease in cells within 5 min. Induced methemoglobinemia (48.4 ± 1.8% of methemoglobin and 41.3 ± 2.3% of deoxygenated hemoglobin) blocked the process of volume recovery and significantly decreased osmotic stability of red blood cells.

Nitric oxide inhibits hypoxia-induced impairment of human RBC deformability through reducing the cross-linking of membrane protein band 3

AIM

Nitric oxide (NO) prevents the decline of RBC deformability under high altitude and other ischemic and hypoxic conditions, but the clear mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we have carried out a systematic study to find the mechanisms of NO-induced regulation of RBC deformability under hypoxia.

METHODS

NO levels, RBCs membrane elongation index (EI), membrane protein band 3 methemoglobin (MetHb) were determined during hypoxia (0 to 120 minutes). To validate the role of NO in regulating RBC deformability, tests were also performed with a NO donor (sodium nitroprusside) or a NO synthase inhibitor (l-nitro-arginine methylester) under 60 minutes hypoxia.

RESULTS

Hypoxia for 45 minutes increased NO levels from 25.65 ± 1.95 to 35.26 ± 2.01 μmol/L, and there was a plateau after 60 minutes hypoxia. The EI did not change before 45 minutes hypoxia, but decreased from 0.567 ± 0.019 to 0.409 ± 0.042 (30 Pa) after 60 minutes hypoxia. The cross-linking of band 3 and phosphotyrosine increased after 45 minutes hypoxia. All can be alleviated by supplement NO and aggregated by inhibiting NOS. However, the MetHb was not present this trend.

CONCLUSION

NO may prevent decreased of RBCs deformability through reducing the cross-linking of membrane band 3 under hypoxia; this helps microvascular perfusion of RBCs during ischemic and hypoxic disease states.

The Effect of Sepsis on the Erythrocyte

Sepsis induces a wide range of effects on the red blood cell (RBC). Some of the effects including altered metabolism and decreased 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate are preventable with appropriate treatment, whereas others, including decreased erythrocyte deformability and redistribution of membrane phospholipids, appear to be permanent, and factors in RBC clearance. Here, we review the effects of sepsis on the erythrocyte, including changes in RBC volume, metabolism and hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen, morphology, RBC deformability (an early indicator of sepsis), antioxidant status, intracellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis, membrane proteins, membrane phospholipid redistribution, clearance and RBC O₂-dependent adenosine triphosphate efflux (an RBC hypoxia signaling mechanism involved in microvascular autoregulation). We also consider the causes of these effects by host mediated oxidant stress and bacterial virulence factors. Additionally, we consider the altered erythrocyte microenvironment due to sepsis induced microvascular dysregulation and speculate on the possible effects of RBC autoxidation. In future, a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in sepsis induced erythrocyte pathophysiology and clearance may guide improved sepsis treatments. Evidence that small molecule antioxidants protect the erythrocyte from loss of deformability, and more importantly improve septic patient outcome suggest further research in this area is warranted. While not generally considered a critical factor in sepsis, erythrocytes (and especially a smaller subpopulation) appear to be highly susceptible to sepsis induced injury, provide an early warning signal of sepsis and are a factor in the microvascular dysfunction that has been associated with organ dysfunction.

Influence of magnesium sulfate on HCO3/Cl transmembrane exchange rate in human erythrocytes

Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) is widely used in medicine but molecular mechanisms of its protection through influence on erythrocytes are not fully understood and are considerably controversial. Using scanning flow cytometry, in this work for the first time we observed experimentally (both in situ and in vitro) a significant increase of HCO3(-)/Cl(-) transmembrane exchange rate of human erythrocytes in the presence of MgSO4 in blood. For a quantitative analysis of the obtained experimental data, we introduced and verified a molecular kinetic model, which describes activation of major anion exchanger Band 3 (or AE1) by its complexation with free intracellular Mg(2+) (taking into account Mg(2+) membrane transport and intracellular buffering). Fitting the model to our in vitro experimental data, we observed a good correspondence between theoretical and experimental kinetic curves that allowed us to evaluate the model parameters and to estimate for the first time the association constant of Mg(2+) with Band 3 as KB~0.07mM, which is in agreement with known values of the apparent Mg(2+) dissociation constant (from 0.01 to 0.1mM) that reflects experiments on enrichment of Mg(2+) at the inner erythrocyte membrane (Gunther, 2007). Results of this work partly clarify the molecular mechanisms of MgSO4 action in human erythrocytes. The method developed allows one to estimate quantitatively a perspective of MgSO4 treatment for a patient. It should be particularly helpful in prenatal medicine for early detection of pathologies associated with the risk of fetal hypoxia.

Oxidative injury in neonatal erythrocytes

Erythrocytes are continuously exposed to free radicals (FR) injury due to their high cellular oxygen concentration and heme iron. The autoxidation of oxyhaemoglobin to methaemoglobin, generating superoxide anion radical, represents the main source of FR in erythrocytes. The erythrocyte membrane is particularly sensitive to oxidative damage due to its high polyunsaturated fatty acid content, and hence, it represents an important system to evaluate the effect of oxidative stress (OS). Information on how red cells OS is triggered and mechanisms of erythrocytes oxidative pressure from plasma may provide a partial answer to questions about the causes of the anaemia of prematurity and about red cell involvement in hypoxia. The recent insights about the mechanism of oxidative injury of red cells and the evidence of relationships between erythrocyte, OS and hypoxia suggest that increased haemolysis is induced by severe hypoxia and acidosis in the perinatal period.

Sickle hemoglobin disturbs normal coupling among erythrocyte O2 content, glycolysis, and antioxidant capacity

Energy metabolism in RBCs is characterized by O2-responsive variations in flux through the Embden Meyerhof pathway (EMP) or the hexose monophosphate pathway (HMP). Therefore, the generation of ATP, NADH, and 2,3-DPG (EMP) or NADPH (HMP) shift with RBC O2 content because of competition between deoxyhemoglobin and key EMP enzymes for binding to the cytoplasmic domain of the Band 3 membrane protein (cdB3). Enzyme inactivation by cdB3 sequestration in oxygenated RBCs favors HMP flux and NADPH generation (maximizing glutathione-based antioxidant systems). We tested the hypothesis that sickle hemoglobin disrupts cdB3-based regulatory protein complex assembly, creating vulnerability to oxidative stress. In RBCs from patients with sickle cell anemia, we demonstrate in the present study constrained HMP flux, NADPH, and glutathione recycling and reduced resilience to oxidative stress manifested by membrane protein oxidation and membrane fragility. Using a novel, inverted membrane-on-bead model, we illustrate abnormal (O2-dependent) association of sickle hemoglobin to RBC membrane that interferes with sequestration/inactivation of the EMP enzyme GAPDH. This finding was confirmed by immunofluorescent imaging during RBC O2 loading/unloading. Moreover, selective inhibition of inappropriately dispersed GAPDH rescues antioxidant capacity. Such disturbance of cdB3-based linkage between O2 gradients and RBC metabolism suggests a novel mechanism by which hypoxia may influence the sickle cell anemia phenotype.

Effects of lead chloride on human erythrocyte membranes and on kinetic anion sulphate and glutathione concentrations

Our study concerns the effects of exposure to lead chloride on the morphology, K⁺ efflux, SO₄⁻ influx and GSH levels of the human erythrocyte. Blood was collected in heparinized tubes and washed three times. The cells were suspended at 3% hematocrit and incubated for 1 h at 25°C in a medium containing increasing concentrations of lead chloride (0, 0.3, 0.5 and 1 μM). After incubation, the suspensions were centrifuged and the erythrocyte pellets were divided into three aliquots for testing. The results show: an increase in the permeability of erythrocytes treated with lead chloride with consequent damage and cellular death, especially in the presence of high concentrations; an increase in potassium ion efflux; alterations in the morphology and membrane structure of the red blood cells; and a decrease in sulphate uptake, due either to the oxidative effect of this compound on the band 3 protein, which loses its biological valence as a carrier of sulphate ions, or to a decrease in the ATP erythrocyte concentration. In conclusion, the exposure of erythrocytes to Pb²⁺ ions leads to a reduction in the average lifetime of the erythrocytes and the subsequent development of anemia. These data are discussed in terms of the possible effect of lead on the reduction-oxidation systems of the cell. Oxidant agents, such as lead, are known to cross-link integral membrane proteins, leading to K/Cl-cotransport. The increased K⁺ efflux affects the altered redox state.

Oxygen-dependent ion transport in erythrocytes

The present contribution reviews current knowledge of apparently oxygen-dependent ion transport in erythrocytes and presents modern hypotheses on their regulatory mechanisms and physiological roles. In addition to molecular oxygen as such, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, regional variations of cellular ATP and hydrogen sulphide may play a role in the regulation of transport, provided that they are affected by oxygen tension. It appears that the transporter molecules themselves do not have direct oxygen sensors. Thus, the oxygen level must be sensed elsewhere, and the effect transduced to the transporter. The possible pathways involved in the regulation of transport, including haemoglobin as a sensor, and phosphorylation/dephosphorylation reactions both in the transporter and its upstream effectors, are discussed.

Quantitative evaluation of respiration induced metabolic oscillations in erythrocytes

The changes in the partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide (P(O(2)) and P(CO(2))) during blood circulation alter erythrocyte metabolism, hereby causing flux changes between oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. In the study we have modeled this effect by extending the comprehensive kinetic model by Mulquiney and Kuchel [P.J. Mulquiney, and P.W. Kuchel. Model of 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate metabolism in the human erythrocyte based on detailed enzyme kinetic equations: equations and parameter refinement, Biochem. J. 1999, 342, 581-596.] with a kinetic model of hemoglobin oxy-/deoxygenation transition based on an oxygen dissociation model developed by Dash and Bassingthwaighte [R. Dash, and J. Bassingthwaighte. Blood HbO(2) and HbCO(2) dissociation curves at varied O(2), CO(2), pH, 2,3-DPG and temperature levels, Ann. Biomed. Eng., 2004, 32(12), 1676-1693.]. The system has been studied during transitions from the arterial to the venous phases by simply forcing P(O(2)) and P(CO(2)) to follow the physiological values of venous and arterial blood. The investigations show that the system passively follows a limit cycle driven by the forced oscillations of P(O(2)) and is thus inadequately described solely by steady state consideration. The metabolic system exhibits a broad distribution of time scales. Relaxations of modes with hemoglobin and Mg(2+) binding reactions are very fast, while modes involving glycolytic, membrane transport and 2,3-BPG shunt reactions are much slower. Incomplete slow mode relaxations during the 60 s period of the forced transitions cause significant overshoots of important fluxes and metabolite concentrations - notably ATP, 2,3-BPG, and Mg(2+). The overshoot phenomenon arises in consequence of a periodical forcing and is likely to be widespread in nature - warranting a special consideration for relevant systems.

Comparative study of human erythrocytes by digital holographic microscopy, confocal microscopy, and impedance volume analyzer

Red blood cell (RBC) parameters such as morphology, volume, refractive index, and hemoglobin content are of great importance for diagnostic purposes. Existing approaches require complicated calibration procedures and robust cell perturbation. As a result, reference values for normal RBC differ depending on the method used. We present a way for measuring parameters of intact individual RBCs by using digital holographic microscopy (DHM), a new interferometric and label-free technique with nanometric axial sensitivity. The results are compared with values achieved by conventional techniques for RBC of the same donor and previously published figures. A DHM equipped with a laser diode (lambda = 663 nm) was used to record holograms in an off-axis geometry. Measurements of both RBC refractive indices and volumes were achieved via monitoring the quantitative phase map of RBC by means of a sequential perfusion of two isotonic solutions with different refractive indices obtained by the use of Nycodenz (decoupling procedure). Volume of RBCs labeled by membrane dye Dil was analyzed by confocal microscopy. The mean cell volume (MCV), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), and mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were also measured with an impedance volume analyzer. DHM yielded RBC refractive index n = 1.418 +/- 0.012, volume 83 +/- 14 fl, MCH = 29.9 pg, and MCHC 362 +/- 40 g/l. Erythrocyte MCV, MCH, and MCHC achieved by an impedance volume analyzer were 82 fl, 28.6 pg, and 349 g/l, respectively. Confocal microscopy yielded 91 +/- 17 fl for RBC volume. In conclusion, DHM in combination with a decoupling procedure allows measuring noninvasively volume, refractive index, and hemoglobin content of single-living RBCs with a high accuracy.

Alteration of alpha-spectrin ubiquitination after hemorrhagic shock

BACKGROUND

RBC deformability after trauma and hemorrhagic shock (T/HS) leads to the microcirculatory dysfunction and clinical manifestations of organ failure. However, the cellular mechanism of this phenomenon remains unknown. Spectrins are important for the shape and physical properties of erythrocytes, such as deformability and resistance to mechanical stress. Previous studies have shown that erythrocyte alpha-spectrin is ubiquitinated. Studies of sickled cells and aged erythrocytes, 2 conditions known to have decreased RBC deformability, have shown decreased alpha-spectrin ubiquitination, which may contribute to the inability of these cells to change shape. It was hypothesized that decreased alpha-spectrin ubiquitination could participate in the mechanism(s) whereby T/HS erythrocytes become less deformable.

METHODS

The level of alpha-spectrin ubiquitination in erythrocytes isolated from T/HS rats was determined and compared with erythrocytes from control sham-shocked (T/SS) animals. After T/SS (n = 4) or T/HS (n = 7), alpha- and beta-spectrin subunits were isolated using a low ionic-strength buffer at 37 degrees C for 30 minutes. The relative amount of ubiquitinated alpha-spectrin was evaluated by Western blotting using a monoclonal antibody to ubiquitin.

RESULTS

The relative level of alpha-spectrin ubiquitination (normalized to total alpha-spectrin in the same preparation) was found to be significantly decreased after T/HS (.319 +/- .03) compared with T/SS control erythrocytes (.485 +/- .06, P < .05). To evaluate the content and relative amounts of the other membrane proteins, the profiles of T/HS and T/SS erythrocytes were compared by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This did not reveal any significant quantitative differences between T/SS and T/HS spectrin or other membrane proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

The finding of decreased alpha-spectrin ubiquitination after T/HS suggests that this mechanism could contribute to increased rigidity of the erythrocyte membrane.

Cysteine S-nitrosylation protects protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B against oxidation-induced permanent inactivation

Protein S-nitrosylation mediated by cellular nitric oxide (NO) plays a primary role in executing biological functions in cGMP-independent NO signaling. Although S-nitrosylation appears similar to Cys oxidation induced by reactive oxygen species, the molecular mechanism and biological consequence remain unclear. We investigated the structural process of S-nitrosylation of protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). We treated PTP1B with various NO donors, including S-nitrosothiol reagents and compound-releasing NO radicals, to produce site-specific Cys S-nitrosylation identified using advanced mass spectrometry (MS) techniques. Quantitative MS showed that the active site Cys-215 was the primary residue susceptible to S-nitrosylation. The crystal structure of NO donor-reacted PTP1B at 2.6 A resolution revealed that the S-NO state at Cys-215 had no discernible irreversibly oxidized forms, whereas other Cys residues remained in their free thiol states. We further demonstrated that S-nitrosylation of the Cys-215 residue protected PTP1B from subsequent H(2)O(2)-induced irreversible oxidation. Increasing the level of cellular NO by pretreating cells with an NO donor or by activating ectopically expressed NO synthase inhibited reactive oxygen species-induced irreversible oxidation of endogenous PTP1B. These findings suggest that S-nitrosylation might prevent PTPs from permanent inactivation caused by oxidative stress.

Modulation of glyceraldehyde 3 phosphate dehydrogenase activity and tyr-phosphorylation of Band 3 in human erythrocytes treated with ferriprotoporphyrin IX

Erythrocyte glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PD), is a glycolytic enzyme normally inhibited upon binding to the anion transporter Band 3 and activated when free in the cytosol. We have previously reported that ferric protoporphyrin IX (FP) enhances G3PD activity in human erythrocytes (RBC). This could be due to two mechanisms considered in this work: Band 3 tyrosine phosphorylation or oxidative damage of specific G3PD binding sites in the membrane. In both cases binding of G3PD to the membrane would be prevented, leading to the enhancement of G3PD activity. Here, we show that FP induces a dose- and time-dependent phosphorylation of tyrosine 8 and 21 of Band 3, as confirmed by the recruitment of SHP2 phosphatase to the membrane. It appears that Band 3 phosphorylation is due to the oxidation of critical sulfydryl groups of a membrane phosphatase (PTP). Data on membrane localization, Mg2+ dependence, sensitivity to thiol oxidizing agents and protection by N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and DTT strongly suggest the involvement of PTP1B, the major PTP of human RBC associated to and acting on Band 3. However, FP activates G3PD even when Band 3 phosphorylation is inhibited, therefore phosphorylation is not the mechanism underlying G3PD activation by FP. The capacity of NAC of counteracting the stimulatory activity of FP, supports the hypothesis that FP might induce the oxidative damage of specific G3PD binding sites in the membrane, causing the displacement of the enzyme into the cytosol and/or the release from its binding site and therefore its activation.

Augmented erythrocyte band-3 phosphorylation in septic mice

Infection-induced RBC dysfunction has been shown to play a role in the modulation of host response to injury and infection. The underlying biochemical mechanisms are not known. This study investigated alterations in RBC band-3 phosphorylation status and its relationship to anion exchange activity in vitro as well as under in vivo septic conditions induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in mice. Pervanadate treatment in vitro increased band-3 tyrosine phosphorylation that was accompanied by decreased RBC deformability and anion exchange activity. Following sepsis, band-3 tyrosine phosphorylation in whole RBC ghosts as well as in cytoskeleton-bound or soluble RBC protein fractions were elevated as compared to controls. Although anion exchange activity was similar in RBCs from septic and control animals, band-3 interaction with eosin-5-maleimide (EMA), which binds to band-3 lysine moieties, was increased in cells from septic animals as compared to controls, indicating that sepsis altered band 3 organization within the RBC membrane. Since glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase is a major antioxidant enzyme in RBC, in order to assess the potential role of oxidative stress in band-3 tyrosine phosphorylation, sepsis-induced RBC responses were also compared between WT and (G6PD) mutant animals (20% of normal G6PD activity). Band-3 membrane content and EMA staining were elevated in G6PD mutant mice compared to WT under control non-septic conditions. Following sepsis, G6PD mutant animals showed lessened responses in band-3 tyrosine phosphorylation and EMA staining compared to WT. RBC anion exchange activity was similar between mutant and WT animals under all tested conditions. In summary, these studies indicate that sepsis results in elevated band-3 tyrosine phosphorylation and alters band-3 membrane organization without grossly affecting RBC anion exchange activity. The observations also suggest that factors other than oxidative stress are responsible for the sepsis-induced increase in RBC band-3 tyrosine phosphorylation.

Hypoxia-induced post-translational changes in red blood cell protein map of newborns

Tyrosine (Tyr) phosphorylation is implicated in the modification of several erythrocyte functions, such as metabolic pathways and membrane transport, as well as in signal transduction systems. Here we describe the map of Tyr-phosphorylated soluble proteins of newborn red blood cells (RBC) using an in vitro model simulating RBC reoxygenation at birth after an intrauterine hypoxic event. We tested the hypothesis that a hypoxic environment and subsequent reoxygenation promote post-translational changes in the RBC protein map of newborns, in addition to desferrioxamine (DFO)-chelatable iron (DCI) release and methemoglobin (MetHb) formation. Umbilical cord blood RBC were incubated under hypoxic conditions for 16 h at 37 degrees C, and subsequently for 8 h under aerobic conditions. Control erythrocytes were incubated under aerobic conditions at 37 degrees C for the period of the experiment, i.e. for 24 h. Tyr-phosphorylation proteins were assessed using advanced high-resolution two-dimensional electrophoresis, 2-D immunoblot analysis with anti-phosphotyrosine (anti-pTyr) antibodies, and computer-aided electrophoretogram analysis. Higher DCI release and MetHb formation were observed in newborn RBC incubated under hypoxic conditions than in those incubated aerobically. Different immunoreactivity patterns with anti-pTyr antibodies were also observed between newborn RBC incubated under hypoxic conditions and controls. A hypoxic environment is a factor promoting DCI release, a well-known condition of oxidative stress. This is the first map of Tyr-phosphorylated soluble proteins of newborn RBC obtained using an in vitro model simulating RBC reoxygenation at birth after an intrauterine hypoxic event. Our results suggest that hypoxia increases Tyr-phosphorylation of antioxidant proteins, protecting RBC against oxidative stress.

Erythrocyte signal transduction pathways, their oxygenation dependence and functional significance

Erythrocytes play a key role in human and vertebrate metabolism. Tissue O2 supply is regulated by both hemoglobin (Hb)-O2 affinity and erythrocyte rheology, a key determinant of tissue perfusion. Oxygenation-deoxygenation transitions of Hb may lead to re-organization of the cytoskeleton and signalling pathways activation/deactivation in an O2-dependent manner. Deoxygenated Hb binds to the cytoplasmic domain of the anion exchanger band 3, which is anchored to the cytoskeleton, and is considered a major mechanism underlying the oxygenation-dependence of several erythrocyte functions. This work discusses the multiple modes of Hb-cytoskeleton interactions. In addition, it reviews the effects of Mg2+, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, NO, shear stress and Ca2+, all factors accompanying the oxygenation-deoxygenation cycle in circulating red cells. Due to the extensive literature on the subject, the data discussed here, pertain mainly to human erythrocytes whose O2 affinity is modulated by 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, ectothermic vertebrate erythrocytes that use ATP, and to bird erythrocytes that use inositol pentaphosphate.

Magnesium sulfate effect on erythrocyte membranes of asphyxiated newborns

OBJECTIVES

Magnesium sulfate has been recognized as a neuroprotective agent against hypoxia-ischemia, mainly by the protection from the excitotoxicity associated with increased glutamate concentration. However, the mechanism of MgSO4 action is not fully understood and is considerably controversial.

DESIGN AND METHODS

During the 2 first hours of life, the asphyxiated full-term newborns were treated intravenously with one dose of MgSO4 250 mg/kg body weight. At birth, after 6 and 48 h of life the activity of ATP-dependent enzymes in erythrocyte membranes: Mg2+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, protein kinases A and C, were determined. Using monoclonal antibodies, the band 3 and its phosphotyrosine level were also assayed.

RESULTS

The time-dependent decrease of Ca2+-ATPase activity was detected in untreated newborns, whereas MgSO4 prevented this reduction. After 48 h, protein kinases activities differed in MgSO4-treated and untreated groups. Magnesium therapy increased the amount of band 3 and diminished proteolytic degradation of this protein.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated, for the first time, that magnesium sulfate treatment significantly altered the activities of some important enzymes in erythrocyte membrane from asphyxiated newborns. It also reduced the post-asphyxial damages of membrane compounds. These data may partly explain the molecular mechanisms of MgSO4 action in asphyxiated newborns.

Near-infrared radiation protects the red cell membrane against oxidation

The antioxidant effects of near-infrared radiation (NIR) in vitro (700-200 nm) on human erythrocytes was studied as a continuation of our earlier studies. The changes of: ratio of hemolysis, electrokinetic potential, lipids peroxidation, autohemolysis, and fluidity of red cell lipid bilayer were studied for intact, irradiated, ozonated and irradiated, and ozonated erythrocytes. We revealed that, under in vitro condition, the oxidation of red cells by ozone decreased lipids' bilayer fluidity in the vicinity of the 5th carbon and increased fluidity on the 16th carbon level of hydrocarbon chains, induced autohemolysis, oxidized lipids, and changed the electrokinetic potential. However, when erythrocytes were exposed to near-infrared radiation (NIR) and later ozonated, measured parameters were the same as that for control cells kept in darkness or markedly less modified than that ozonated. In conclusion, these observations suggest protective action of NIR radiation on the erythrocyte membrane. The results support the idea that during exposition to NIR, dehydration process induces the photochemical dissociation oxyhemoglobin to deoxyhemoglobin. Deoxygenation leads to phosphorylation of cytoplasmic domain of band 3 at tyrosine 8 that strengthens its association with the spectrin network. An increased association between band 3 and the underlying skeleton elevated the cell membrane mechanical resistance that could protect them before autohemolysis. Also, weakening hydrogen bonds on the surface of erythrocyte membranes moderate the surface charge, lowering the accessibility of charged free radicals from ozone solution into cells.

Phosphotyrosine phosphatases acting on band 3 in human erythrocytes of different age: PTP1B processing during cell ageing

The phosphorylation of tyrosine residues of human red blood cell (RBC) band 3 is regulated in vivo by constitutively active tyrosine-kinases (PTKs) and phosphotyrosine-phosphatases (PTPs), identified so far as, respectively, p72(syk) and p56/53(lyn), and PTP1B and SHPTP-2. Tyr-phosphorylation of band 3 increases upon reduction of cell volume as in hypertonic media or during Ca(2+)-induced membrane vesiculation. We show here that old RBCs display higher Tyr-phosphorylation levels of band 3 than younger cells under hypertonic conditions, at least in part due to the reduced cell volume of old RBCs, a condition of lowered threshold for activation of volume-sensitive PTKs. We have also analysed the membrane-bound PTP activity and the relative abundance of PTP1B (as the main membrane-associated PTP) in RBCs of different age. Immunodetection of PTP1B in purified ghost membranes revealed that the catalytic, N-terminal domain of the PTP is partially cleaved, in an age-dependent manner, from the membrane-bound domain, and it is lost during the preparation of ghost membranes. This suggests that erythrocytes may undergo in vivo activation of the Ca(2+)-dependent calpain system that proteolytically regulates PTP1B activity, as already documented for other cell types. On the other hand, the assay of the PTP activity that remains associated with the membranes of RBCs of different age indicated that the PTP undergoes oxidative inactivation that can be further differentiated into reversible and irreversible components.

Activation of ferret erythrocyte Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport by deoxygenation

Deoxygenation of ferret erythrocytes stimulates Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport by 111% (s.d., 46) compared to controls in air. Half-maximal activation occurs at a PO2 of 24 mmHg (s.d., 2) indicating that physiological changes in oxygen tension can influence cotransport function. Approximately 25-35% of this stimulation can be attributed to the rise of intracellular free magnesium concentration that occurs on deoxygenation (from 0.82 (S.D., 0.07) to 1.40 mm (S.D., 0.17)). Most of the stimulation is probably caused by activation of a kinase which can be prevented or reversed by treating cells with the kinase inhibitors PP1 or staurosporine, or by reducing cell magnesium content to submicromolar levels. Stimulation by deoxygenation is comparable with that caused by calyculin A or sodium arsenite, compounds that cause a 2- to 3-fold increase in threonine phosphorylation of the cotransporter which can be detected with phospho-specific antibodies. However, the same approach failed to detect significant changes in threonine phosphorylation following deoxygenation. The results suggest that deoxygenation causes activation of a kinase that either phosphorylates the transporter, but probably not on threonine, or phosphorylates another protein that in turn influences cotransporter behaviour. They also indicate that more than one kinase and phosphatase are involved in cotransporter phosphorylation.

Modulation of vascular smooth muscle cell growth by magnesium?role of mitogen?activated protein kinases

We tested the hypothesis that Mg(2+) influences growth of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) by modulating cell cycle activation through mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase-dependent pathways. Rat VSMCs were grown in culture medium containing normal Mg(2+) (1.02 mmol/L, control) and increasing concentrations of Mg(2+) (2-4 mmol/L) for 1-8 days. Effects of varying extracellular Mg(2+) concentration ([Mg(2+)](e)) on intracellular free Mg(2+) concentration ([Mg(2+)](i)) were assessed using mag-fura. Growth actions of Mg(2+) were evaluated by measuring cell cycle activation, DNA synthesis, and protein synthesis. Expression of cell cycle promoters, cyclin D1, cyclin E, Cdk2, and Cdk4 was assessed by immunoblotting. Phosphorylation of cell cycle inhibitors p21(cip1) and p27(kip1) and MAP kinases, ERK1/2, p38MAP kinase, and JNK was evaluated using phospho-specific antibodies. [Mg(2+)](i) increased in a dose-dependent manner in response to increasing [Mg(2+)](e). These effects were evident within 2 days and maximal responses were obtained after 6 days. High [Mg(2+)](e) induced cell cycle activation with a lower proportion of cells in G(1) phase (75 +/- 1.0%) and a higher fraction of cells in S phase (12 +/- 0.7%) versus control (G(1), 88.5 +/- 1.4%; S, 6.8 +/- 1.2%; P < 0.05). This was associated with increased protein content of cyclin D1 and Cdk4 and decreased activation of p21(cip1) and p27(kip1). In cells exposed to 2 mmol/L Mg(2+), DNA and protein synthesis was increased approximately threefold. Phosphorylation of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 was enhanced two to threefold in cells grown in 2 mmol/L Mg(2+). These effects were rapid, occurring within 2 days. Phosphorylation of MEK3/6, p38 MAP kinase, and JNK was unaltered by increasing [Mg2](e). PD98059 (10(-5) mol/L), specific MEK1/2 inhibitor, but not SB202190 (10(-5) mol/L) (specific p38 MAP kinase inhibitor), attenuated Mg(2+)-induced growth actions. These data demonstrate the novel findings that cell cycle activation and growth regulation by Mg(2+) occurs via ERK1/2-dependent, p38 MAP kinase-independent pathways.

Changes of RBC aggregation in oxygenation-deoxygenation: pH dependency and cell morphology

The effects of the oxygenation-deoxygenation process on red blood cell (RBC) aggregation were examined in relation to morphological changes in RBCs and the contribution of CO(2). A low-shear rheoscope was used to measure the rate of rouleaux (one-dimensional aggregate) formation in diluted autologous plasma exposed to gas mixtures with different Po(2) and Pco(2). RBC indexes and RBC suspension pH were measured for the oxygenated or the deoxygenated condition, and the cell shape was observed with a scanning electron microscope. In the oxygenation-deoxygenation process, the rate of rouleaux formation increased with rising pH of the RBC suspension, which was lowered in the presence of CO(2). The rate increased with increasing mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (thus the cells shrank), which increased with rising pH and decreased in the presence of CO(2). With rising pH, cell diameter increased and cell thickness decreased (thus the cell flattened). In addition, slight echinocytosis was induced in the presence of CO(2), and the aggregation was reduced by the morphological change. In conclusion, RBC aggregation in the oxygenation-deoxygenation process is mainly influenced by the pH-dependent change in the surface area-to-volume ratio of the cells, and the aggregation is modified by CO(2)-induced acidification and the accompanying changes in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and cell shape.

Stimulation of Na+/Mg2+ antiport in rat erythrocytes by intracellular Cl-

Mg(2+) efflux from rat erythrocytes was measured in NaCl, NaNO(3), NaSCN and Na gluconate medium. Substitution of extracellular and intracellular Cl(-) with the permeant anions NO(3)(-) and SCN(-) reduced Mg(2+) efflux via Na(+)/Mg(2+) antiport. After substitution of extracellular Cl(-) with the non-permeant anion gluconate, Mg(2+) efflux was not significantly reduced. In Na gluconate medium, an influence of the changed membrane potential and intracellular pH on Mg(2+) efflux could be excluded. The results indicate the existence of Cl(-)-independent Na(+)/Mg(2+) antiport and of Na(+)/Mg(2+) antiport stimulated by intracellular Cl(-). Intracellular Cl(-), as determined by means of (36)Cl(-), was found to stimulate Na(+)/Mg(2+) antiport through a cooperative effect according to a sigmoidal kinetics. The Hill coefficient for intracellular Cl(-) amounted to 1.4-1.8, indicating that two intracellular Cl(-) may be simultaneously active. With respect to specificity, Cl(-) was most effective, followed by Br(-), J(-), and F(-). Stimulation of Na(+)/Mg(2+) antiport by intracellular Cl(-) together with intracellular Mg(2+) may play a role during deoxygenation of erythrocytes and in essential hypertension.

Ca2+ promotes erythrocyte band 3 tyrosine phosphorylation via dissociation of phosphotyrosine phosphatase from band 3

The anion-exchange band 3 protein is the main erythrocyte protein that is phosphorylated by protein tyrosine kinase (PTK). We have previously identified a band 3-associated phosphotyrosine phosphatase (PTP) that is normally highly active and prevents the accumulation of band 3 phosphotyrosine. Band 3 tyrosine phosphorylation can be induced by inhibition of PTP (vanadate, thiol oxidation), activation of PTK (hypertonic NaCl) or intracellular increased Ca(2+) (mechanism unknown). We now show that there is inhibition of dephosphorylation of band 3 in Ca(2+)/ionophore-treated erythrocytes and in membranes isolated from the treated cells. These membranes exhibit phosphatase activity upon the addition of exogenous substrate. Dephosphorylation of the endogenous substrate (band 3) can be activated in these membranes by the addition of Mg(2+). Thus the inability of PTP to dephosphorylate the band 3 phosphotyrosine is not due to inhibition of the enzyme itself. Ca(2+) rise in the erythrocyte causes dissociation of PTP from band 3, thus leaving the kinase unopposed. This is shown by a significant diminution in band 3/PTP co-precipitation. Addition of Mg(2+) to these membranes leads to reassociation of band 3 with PTP. The Ca(2+)-induced inhibition of band 3 dephosphorylation may be due to Ca(2+)-dependent alterations in membrane components and structure, affecting the interaction of band 3 with PTP. The Ca(2+)-induced tyrosine phosphorylation, involving an apparent PTP inhibition via dissociation from the substrate, may play a role in signal transduction pathways and in certain pathological disorders associated with increased cell Ca(2+).

Regulation of Na-K-2Cl cotransport by phosphorylation and protein-protein interactions

The Na-K-2Cl cotransporter plays important roles in cell ion homeostasis and volume control and is particularly important in mediating the movement of ions and thus water across epithelia. In addition to being affected by the concentration of the transported ions, cotransport is affected by cell volume, hormones, growth factors, oxygen tension, and intracellular ionized Mg(2+) concentration. These probably influence transport through three main routes acting in parallel: cotransporter phosphorylation, protein-protein interactions and cell Cl(-) concentration. Many effects are mediated, at least in part, by changes in protein phosphorylation, and are disrupted by kinase and phosphatase inhibitors, and manoeuvres that reduce cell ATP content. In some cases, phosphorylation of the cotransporter itself on serine and threonine (but not tyrosine) is associated with changes in transport rate, in others, phosphorylation of associated proteins has more influence. Analysis of the stimulation of cotransport by calyculin A, arsenite and deoxygenation suggests that the cotransporter is phosphorylated by several kinases and dephosphorylated by several phosphatases. These kinases and phosphatases may themselves be regulated by phosphorylation of residues including tyrosine, with Src kinases possibly playing an important role. Protein-protein interactions also influence cotransport activity. Cotransporter molecules bind to each other to form high molecular weight complexes, they also bind to other members of the cation-chloride cotransport family, to a variety of cytoskeletal proteins, and to enzymes that are part of regulatory cascades. Many of these interactions affect transport and may override the effects of cotransporter phosphorylation. Cell Cl(-) may also directly affect the way the cotransporter functions independently of its role as substrate.

Anion transport in normal erythrocytes, sickle red cells, and ghosts in relation to hemoglobins and magnesium

"Band 3," an integral membrane protein of red blood cells, plays a relevant role in anionic transport. The C- and N-terminal portions of band 3 are cytoplasmatics, and the last is the link site for different glycolitic enzymes, such as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, aldolase, phosphofructokinase, and hemoglobin. All or some of these interactions on the CDB3 protein could allow a subtle modulation of anion flux. The interaction among HbA, Mg(2+), and membrane proteins has been sufficiently investigated, but not the effect of Mg(2+) on pathological hemoglobin in relation to the influx of the SO(4)(2-). The aim of this study was to evaluate the involvement of hemoglobin S in sulfate transport. This has been measured with native and increased concentrations of Mg(2+), using normal erythrocytes containing HbA, sickle red cells containing HbS, or ghosts obtained from both erythrocytes and normal erythrocytes ghosts with HbS added. The magnitude of the SO(4)(2-) rate constant measured in normal red blood cells increased markedly when measured in the presence of varied Mg(2+) concentrations. The results show that a low increase of intracellular Mg(2+) concentrations exercises a different HbA modulation on band 3 protein and consequently higher anion transport activity. The same experiments carried out in sickle red cells showed that the SO(4)(2-) rate constant measured in the presence of native concentrations of Mg(2+) was normal, compared to normal red cells, and was not affected by any increase of intracellular Mg(2+). Our suppositions with regard to the importance exercised by the hemoglobin and the Mg(2+) on the SO(4)(2-) influx were confirmed by comparison of the data obtained through measuring SO(4)(2-) influx with native and increased concentrations of Mg(2+) in both normal and sickle red cell ghosts. Both revealed the same sensitivity to Mg(2+) due to withdrawal of hemoglobins. The incorporation of HbS in normal as well as in sickle red cell ghosts reduced the Mg(2+) response to sulfate influx in both the reconstituted ghosts. Our research demonstrated that the different effects exercised on the rate constants of SO(4)(2-) influx in normal (HbA) and sickle red cells (HbS) by the increased intracellular Mg(2+) could be ascribed to the physical-chemical influence exercised either on the hemoglobins or on the intracellular contents of erythrocytes.

Deoxygenation of sickle cells stimulates Syk tyrosine kinase and inhibits a membrane tyrosine phosphatase

Polymerization of hemoglobin S in sickle red cells, in deoxygenated conditions, is associated with K+ loss and cellular dehydration. It was previously reported that deoxygenation of sickle cells increases protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activity and band 3 tyrosine phosphorylation and that PTK inhibitors reduce cell dehydration. Here, the study investigates which PTKs are involved and the mechanism of their activation. Deoxygenation of sickle cells induced a 2-fold increase in Syk activity, measured by autophosphorylation in immune complex assays, but had no effect on Lyn. Syk was not stimulated by deoxygenation of normal red cells, and stimulation was partly reversible on reoxygenation of sickle cells. Syk activation was independent of the increase in intracellular Ca++ and Mg2+ associated with deoxygenation. Lectins that promote glycophorin or band 3 aggregation did not activate Syk. In parallel to Syk stimulation, deoxygenation of sickle cells, but not of normal red cells, decreased the activity of both membrane-associated protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPs) and membrane protein thiol content. In vitro pretreatment of Syk immune complexes with membrane PTP inhibited Syk autophosphorylation. It is suggested that Syk activation in vivo could be mediated by PTP inhibition, itself resulting from thiol oxidation, as PTPs are known to be inhibited by oxidants. Altogether these data indicate that Syk could be involved in the mechanisms leading to sickle cell dehydration.

Magnesium. An update on physiological, clinical and analytical aspects

There is an increased interest in the role of magnesium ions in clinical medicine, nutrition and physiology. The characteristics of the binding of magnesium and calcium ions to various components, macromolecules and biological membranes are described. Magnesium affects many cellular functions, including transport of potassium and calcium ions, and modulates signal transduction, energy metabolism and cell proliferation. The mechanism of cellular uptake and efflux of magnesium, its intracellular transport, intestinal absorption, renal excretion and the effect of hormones on these are reviewed. Magnesium deficiency is not uncommon among the general population: its intake has decreased over the years especially in the western world. The magnesium supplementation or intravenous infusion may be beneficial in various diseased states. Of special interest is the magnesium status in alcoholism, eclampsia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, cardiac diseases, diabetes, and asthma. The development of instrumentation for the assay of ionized magnesium is reviewed, as are the analytical procedures for total magnesium in blood and free magnesium in the cytosol. The improved procedures for the assay of different magnesium states are useful in understanding the role of magnesium in health and disease.