Amphiphile-induced vesiculation in aged hereditary spherocytosis erythrocytes indicates normal membrane stability properties under non-starving conditions

Aged HS erythrocytes with a defined primary defect in band 3 protein or ank yrin were incubated with amphiphiles (detergents) at sublytic concentration s (37 degreesC, 60 min) or glucose-starved (37 degreesC, 24 h). In line wit h previous studies, the release of AChE (exovesicles) from HS erythrocytes during glucose-starvation was significantly higher (11%) compared to that f rom control erythrocytes (1%). Control and HS cells responded, however, sim ilarly to amphiphile-treatment (non-starving conditions). Amphiphiles induc ed similar types of shape alterations and a similar amount of AChE release (14 - 15%). Furthermore, the size and shape of amphiphile-induced exo- and endovesicles released from control and HS erythrocytes were similar. The re sults suggest that the stability properties of the membrane are not serious ly disturbed in aged HS erythrocytes under non-starving conditions.