Morphologic changes in the membranes of red blood cells undergoing hemolysis

Abstract We have reviewed certain morphologic changes in the structure of the red cell membrane which appear to be related to the processes of hemolysis. The red cell membrane appears to undergo the same morphologic changes in response to treatment with various lytic agents as other cell membranes (viruses, bacteria, nucleated cells) or as artificial lipid-containing membranes. Hence, it is a useful model for studying such changes. The use of the electron microscope in such studies permits improved correlations between structural changes and biochemical or physiological alterations.