Surface ultrastructure of pyruvate kinase-deficient erythrocytes in the Basenji dog
Chandler, F.W.; Prasse, K.W.; Callaway, C.S.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 36(10): 1477-1480
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 1190589 Document Number: 95258
The scanning electron microscope was used to study the surface morphology of erythrocytes from a Basenji dog with hereditary haemolytic anaemia due to pyruvate kinase-deficient erythrocytes (RBC). Cells from this dog were compared with RBC from normal dogs and from dogs with regenerative anaemias unrelated to pyruvate kinase deficiency. Demonstration of spherical RBC with uniform spicules on their surface (spheroechinocytes) may provide a morphologic explanation for the shortened erythrocytic life-span previously reported in congenital haemolytic anaemia of Basenji dogs. Spherical, spiculated RBC were not found in blood from normal dogs or from anaemic dogs with reticulocytoses. The surface of reticulocytes from all dogs with regenerative anaemia was roughened, with pronounced folding of the cell membrane.