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Cryopreservation of Human Red Blood Cells

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Cryopreservation and Freeze-Drying Protocols

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology™ ((MIMB,volume 38))

Abstract

The red blood cell (RBC), or erythrocyte, is a flexible biconcave disc 8 µm in diameter. Its main function is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body and to perform this it contains a pigment, hemoglobin. During its 120-d lifespan, it travels about 300 miles around the arteriovenous circulation, repeatedly passing through the capillary bed. As the mean diameter of a capillary is about 3 µm, the red cell has to retain a high degree of flexibility which requires energy. Energy is generated as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by the anaerobic, glycolytic pathway.

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References

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Army Blood Supply Depot, Aldershot, Hants, UK

    Michael J. G. Thomas & Susan H. Bell

Authors
  1. Michael J. G. Thomas
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  2. Susan H. Bell
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. The Windermere Laboratory, Institute of Freshwater Ecology, Cumbria, UK

    John G. Day

  2. Acer Environmental, Cheshire, UK

    Michael W. Pennington

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© 1995 Humana Press Inc.

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Thomas, M.J.G., Bell, S.H. (1995). Cryopreservation of Human Red Blood Cells. In: Day, J.G., Pennington, M.W. (eds) Cryopreservation and Freeze-Drying Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology™, vol 38. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1385/0-89603-296-5:235

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/0-89603-296-5:235

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-89603-296-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-525-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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