126 Flashcards
Epo signalling
Binds to a blast cell.
Through Janus kinase 2 (Jak2), signals.
Process of erythropoiesis
1
2
3
1) Proerythroblast
2) Polychromatic erythrocytes
3) Erythrocytes
Outcome of erythrocytes having no nucleus or mitochondria
Obligate anaerobes. Make lactate continuously.
How quickly do blast cells mature to erythrocytes?
~7 days
Rate at which RBCs are made in adults
~2 million per second
Where is EPO synthesised?
Kidney
Epo function
Erythropoietin (Epo) is required
for survival, proliferation and
differentiation of committed
erythroid progenitor cells.
Met-haemoglobin
Hb with Fe3+ (Fe2+ has been oxidised).
How is RBC lifespan determined?
Give chromium 51 to random sample of RBCs, infuse.
Over ~120 days the label is removed.
120 days is the maximum lifespan. Many things can shorten lifespan.
Vitamin B12 role in RBC maturation
Methylation step in haemoglobin synthesis
What happens when a RBC has ~15% met-Hb?
Macrophages in spleen, liver, red bone marrow phagocytoses RBC
What converts haeme to biliverdin?
Haem oxygenase
Where does the Fe from metabolised Hb go?
Stored in transferrin, which goes to the liver.
Transfered to ferritin.
Spleen microscopic structure
White pulp - Immune cells
Red pulp - is a system of blood vessels arranged to facilitate removal of old or damaged red blood cells from the circulation. The removal is performed by macrophages.
Mononuclear phagocyte system of the spleen 1 2 3 4 5 6
1) Performed by monocytes/macrophages in spleen, lymph nodes. Also by Kupfer cells in the liver.
2) Formation of new RBCs and WBCs (in embryo).
3) Destruction of old RBCs and WBCs.
4) Formation of antibody
5) Formation of plasma proteins.
6) Formation of bile pigments.
Examples of altered surface molecules on RBCs that macrophages can recognise
Exposure of phosphatidyl serine, reduced content of sialic acid anchored to glycophorin.
Surface protein on RBCs that determine immunogenicity
Carbohydrates (neuraminic acid, also called sialic acid) attached to glycophorin.
How does the body determine age of RBCs?
Neuraminidase in body slowly cleaves off sialic acid while RBC circulates. After maximum 120 days, enough has been removed for macrophages to phagocytose RBC.
As the RBC ages, more phosphatidylserine flips to the outer
side of the membrane. Eventually it reaches equilibrium, and this is a signal for destruction.
Causes of haemolysis
1
2
3
1) External attack on RBC (EG: strep, enterococcus)
2) Parasitic haemolysis (EG: malaria)
3) Congenital or genetic factors