STUDIES ON THE DESTRUCTION OF RED BLOOD CELLS. IV

Abstract

Human red blood cells heated to from 47 to 65[degree]C develop morphologic changes. The appearance of spheroidal forms coincides with the development of progressive increase in the osmotic and mechanical fragilities of the erythrocytes without significant increase in cell vol. The effect of heating was progressive, irreversible and similar when the suspension medium was plasma, serum or salt soln. Injn. of heated cells into dogs is followed by hemoglobinemia and hemoglobinuria. In a patient who had been burned, 10% of the red blood cells were identified as spherocytes for at least 18 hr.