Abstract
Human red blood cells (RBC) undergo a sudden change from blocking to passing through 1.3 +/- 0.2-micrometer micropipettes at a transition temperature (Tc) of 36.4 degrees C. For resealed RBC ghosts this transition occurs at 28.3 degrees C (Tg). These findings are attributed to an elastomeric transition of hemoglobin from being gel-like to a fluid and to an elastomeric transition of membrane proteins such as spectrin. Spectrin shows a uniform distribution along the aspirated RBC tongue above Tg in contrast to the linear gradient below Tg.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Biophysical Phenomena
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Biophysics
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Blood Proteins / chemistry*
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Blood Proteins / physiology*
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Elasticity
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Erythrocyte Deformability / physiology*
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Erythrocyte Membrane / chemistry
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Erythrocyte Membrane / physiology
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Erythrocytes / chemistry*
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Erythrocytes / physiology*
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Gels
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Hemoglobins / chemistry
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Hemoglobins / physiology
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Humans
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In Vitro Techniques
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Spectrin / chemistry
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Spectrin / physiology
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Temperature
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Thermodynamics
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Viscosity
Substances
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Blood Proteins
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Gels
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Hemoglobins
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Spectrin