Echinocyte

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Scanning electron microscopy
(SEM) of echinocytes
Echinocyte compared to other forms of poikilocytosis

Echinocyte (from the Greek word echinos, meaning 'hedgehog' or 'sea urchin'), in human biology and medicine, refers to a form of red blood cell that has an abnormal cell membrane characterized by many small, evenly spaced thorny projections.[1][2] A more common term for these cells is burr cells.

Physiology

Echinocytes are frequently confused with

Wright staining.[4]

Causes

In addition to appearing as an artifact of staining or drying, echinocytes are associated with:[5]

Echinocytes, like acanthocytes, may be found in hyperlipidemia caused by liver dysfunction, but the lipids themselves do not integrate into the membrane. Instead, it is speculated that cell surface receptors on the red blood cells bind with

HDL cholesterol, which induces the shape change.[6]

These cells were also shown to develop in vivo during hemodialysis, and disappear at the end of the procedure. The level of echinocytosis appeared to be related to the increase in blood viscosity that occurs during hemodialysis.[7]

The formation of echinocytes can also be induced by electric field pulses.[8] Alternating electric current produces modifications in the membranes of red blood cells, attributed to a higher permeability to water and a decreased tonicity, leading to the transformation into echinocytes.[9]

See also

References

  1. ^ Mentzer WC. Spiculated cells (echinocytes and acanthocytes) and target cells. UpToDate (release: 20.12- C21.4) [1]
  2. .
  3. ^ MediaLab (July 12, 2013). "Burr Cells (Echinocytes)".
  4. ^ de Alarcon PA (Nov 30, 2011). "Acanthocytosis".
  5. .
  6. .
  7. PMID 9870478. Archived from the original
    on 2013-07-13.
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  9. .