Occurrence of Copper in Sickling Erythrocytes

Abstract

Erythrocytes of 63 persons were examined for the presence of copper. Copper-containing granules were demonstrated in all erythrocytes of 50 patients containing hemoglobin S in homozygous (sickle cell anemia) or heterozygous (sickle cell trait) forms. No copper was found in the erythrocytes of the 13 control subjects with normal hemaglobin (Hb1A Hb1A). Good correlation was obtained between the presence and amount of copper and the hemoglobin type.