Abstract:
Erythrocytes play an important role in oxygen and carbon dioxide transport. Although erythrocytes possess no nucleus or
mitochondria, they fulfil severalmetabolic activities namely, the Embden-Meyerhof pathway, as well as the hexose monophosphate
shunt. Metabolic processes within the erythrocyte contribute to the morphology/shape of the cell and important constituents are
being kept in an active, reduced form. Erythrocytes undergo a form of suicidal cell death called eryptosis. Eryptosis results from
a wide variety of contributors including hyperosmolarity, oxidative stress, and exposure to xenobiotics. Eryptosis occurs before
the erythrocyte has had a chance to be naturally removed from the circulation after its 120-day lifespan and is characterised by
the presence of membrane blebbing, cell shrinkage, and phosphatidylserine exposure that correspond to nucleated cell apoptotic
characteristics. After eryptosis is triggered there is an increase in cytosolic calcium(Ca2+) ion levels.This increase causes activation
of Ca2+-sensitive potassium (K+) channels which leads to a decrease in intracellular potassium chloride (KCl) and shrinkage of the
erythrocyte. Ceramide, produced by sphingomyelinase from the cell membrane’s sphingomyelin, contributes to the occurrence of
eryptosis. Eryptosis ensures healthy erythrocyte quantity in circulation whereas excessive eryptosismay set an environment for the
clinical presence of pathophysiological conditions including anaemia.
