An examination of complement proteins on membranes of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) and PNH-like red cells.

Proteins obtained from membranes of PNH erythrocytes and of red cells treated with 2-aminoethylisothiouronium bromide (AET) following lysis in acidified serum (Ham's test) were compared by sodium dodecylsulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The peptide patterns were identical, providing support that AET-treated red cells afford a suitable experimental substitute for PNH red cells in studies involving complement fixation.