Membrane components in the interaction of red blood cells with endothelial cells

Under normal flow-induced shear stress RBCs adherence to EC is insignificant. However, in pathological conditions that are associated with damaged RBC properties, RBC adhesiveness is determined by the biochemical components of their membrane, and changes in these factors in pathological conditions are responsible for altering RBC/EC interaction. The present study was undertaken to identify RBC intrinsic membrane components that determine their interaction with EC. Results: 1) Both band-3 clustering and translocation of phosphatidylserine (PS) to RBC surface induce enhanced RBC adherence. 2) Treatment of RBC with band-3 aggregating factor very effectively induced translocation of PS to the cell surface, suggesting an interrelation between these processes. Conclusion: Band-3 clustering and PS translocation are the key membrane factors in RBC/EC interaction. The interdependence and the cause-and-effect relation between them has yet to be studied.