FLOW CYTOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF BAND-3 PROTEIN OF HUMAN ERYTHROCYTES

Flow cytometry was used to quantify the transmembrane anion exchanger (band 3 protein) of human erythrocytes by covalently bound eosin-5-mal eimide. In vitro and in vivo vesiculated red blood cells were investig ated. The fluorescence and light scatter signals of cells after heat i nduced vesiculation, in vivo ageing, and in patients with hereditary s pherocytosis were decreased. These results reflect a deficiency of ban d 3 protein which is presumably caused by membrane surface area loss I t was possible to distinguish control erythrocytes, erythrocytes from patients with hereditary spherocytosis, and from other forms of haemol ytic anaemias on the basis of their light scatter and fluorescence sig nals characteristics.