Effects of Glyceraldehyde on the Structural and Functional Properties of Sickle Erythrocytes

Abstract

A C T The D-and L-isomers of glyceraldehyde are equally effective in the inhibition of SS erythrocyte sickling in vitro. The following com- pounds at a concentration of 20 mM were ineffec- tive in inhibiting sickling: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, D-erythrose, D-ribose, D-fructose, D-glucose, D-sucrose, dihydroxyacetone, and methylglyoxal. Glyceraldehyde does not reverse the sickling of cells in the deoxy state. The properties of purified hemo- globin after treatment with glyceraldehyde and of the hemoglobin isolated from treated cells are very similar; these results suggest that glyceraldehyde itself is the reactive species within the erythrocyte. Erythrocyte glutathione is decreased by treatment in vitro with the aldehyde.