Prostaglandin E2-hemoglobin AA and SS erythrocyte interaction (prostaglandin-erythrocyte interaction).

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), at concentration larger than or equal to 5 x 10(4) ng/ml, induced discocyte leads to echinocyte transformation of saline-suspended hemoglobin (Hb) AA and SS erythrocytes. This erythrocyte transformation is concentration-dependent and is reversible at room temperature after 90-120 min. The Hb SS erythrocytes treated with PGE2 did not exhibit accelerated sickling or increased formation of sickled echinocytes. Erythrocytes suspended in autologous plasma treated with PGE2, 2 X 10(6) ng/ml, did not exhibit echinocytic transformation probably because of drug binding to the plasma proteins. Other in vitro studies showed that PGE2 of concentrations of 10-500 ng/ml had no adverse effects on intact, plasma-suspended Hb SS erythrocytes. These Hb SS erythrocytes were examined for changes in morphology, potassium and calcium flux, and blood viscosity under oxygenated and hypoxic conditions.