Editorial: Comparative biology of red blood cells

Abstract

Editorial on the Research Topic Comparative biology of red blood cellsOur interest in the broad diversity of red blood cell (RBC) sizes, composition, gas transport strategies, rheological properties, and metabolism across the animal kingdom is fueled by several reasons. Biologists follow the developmental and evolutionary aspects of this RBC diversity that enables the hosts to survive and populate habitats that vary in O 2 concentration and nutritional abundance matching energy supply and demand (Nikinmaa, 1990). Translational researchers view animals as models to study human diseases, although numerous studies urge for care in translation of the findings obtained using rodents or other mammals as well as insects, nematodes and fishes to the human patients (

Effect of leukoreduction on the metabolism of equine packed red blood cells during refrigerated storage

“…We document that LR promotes the preservation of ATP pools, which is relevant owing to the role of ATP in fueling proton pumps, 45 membrane protein phosphorylation to preserve membrane deformability, 46 proteasomal activity, 47 phospholipid asymmetry, and, ultimately, RBC intravascular and extravascular hemolysis upon transfusion. 48 , 49 Conversely, lower concentrations of phosphoglycerate and ATP in nLR‐pRBC are suggestive of an energy imbalance, despite apparent faster glycolytic fluxes (Figure 2A ).…”

Erythrocyte metabolism

“…For an in-depth review of erythrocyte biology across different species, the interested reader is referred to the relevant literature. 337 Iron content in all erythrocytes 2.0-2.5 g [345,346] Haemoglobin content in all erythrocytes ≈670-760 g [347] Haemoglobin number 2.5-3.0 × 10 8 molecules/cell [298] Haemoglobin content per cell 23.5 ± 1.0 pg per cell [348] Erythrocytes (total number) ≈2.5 × 10 13 cells [186,349] Erythrocyte/total cells ≈84 % [186,349] Erythrocyte concentration ≈4.5-5 of 2,3-BPG bound to haemoglobin, which fluctuates as erythrocytes transition between oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. 368 In the lungs, the concentration of 2,3-BPG bound to haemoglobin is decreased, which reduces the p50 and shifts the oxygen dissociation curve to the left, facilitating oxygen loading (panel B1).…”