Reduction in band 3 protein of red cells in sickle cell anaemia.

Twelve patients suffering from sickle cell anaemia (Hb less than 75 g/l) with SS-haemoglobin were studied with special regard to Band 3-protein content in their erythrocyte membranes on SDS-PAGE. They were compared in this respect with 7 asymptomatic individuals with AS-haemoglobin and 10 healthy controls with the ordinary adult haemoglobin. A heterogeneity in Band 3-protein content was evident among the 12 patients. Six of them belonged to a low content group while the other 6 belonged to a high content group comparable with the asymptomatic subjects and the controls. No simple relationship seemed to exist between Band 3-protein reduction and the clinical presentation.