Density distributions were determined for sickle cell erythrocytes from 27 patients with HbSS genotype using the phthalate ester microcapillary differential flotation method of Danon and Marikovsky. Mean density distribution curves showed HbSS erythrocytes to have trimodal populations with significant increases in both dense and light cell fractions when compared to 20 normal controls of HbAA genotype (p < 0.05). Irreversibly sickled cell (ISC) and reticulocyte counts were compared with density distributions. Integrated unit areas under the dense cell population curves correlated with ISC percentages, while corresponding unit areas for light populations correlated to a lesser extent with reticulocyte percentages. Mean cell density, D50, varied widely among patients and correlated poorly with the ISC or reticulocyte percentage; however, D50 did correlate with the net change in integrated unit areas. Several patients had repeated density distributions over a 2-year time period. All HbSS patients showed increased but variable dense cell fractions which could not be definitively correlated with the clinical state of the patient. Transfusion reproducibly resulted in a lowering of the dense cell fraction. Erythrocytes from the HbSC patients showed a uniform increase in density and absence of the large dense cell fraction seen in most HbSS patients. This method provides a simple means for quantitation of the light and dense cell fraction in blood of patients with sickling disorders and displays the profile of erythrocyte density heterogeneity for the individual sickle cell patient.

Keywords:
Red cell density, Sickle cell anemia
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1984 S. Karger AG, Basel
1984
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.