Summary
The ultrastructural analysis of the in vivo erythrophagocytosis by cat alveolar macrophages demonstrates a sequence of two successive events. The first consists of the destruction of the red blood cell membrane (hemolysis). The second corresponds to digestion of hemoglobin. This process is observed as a progressive and uniform clearing of the content of the phagocytic vacuole. An active fusion of typical lysosomes and of lysosomes containing crystal-like masses with the phagocytic vacuole continues to occur. At the terminal period small dense ferritin-like granules appear within the dissolving hemoglobin. During this process the swollen fragmented erythrocyte membrane, sometimes simulating Heinz bodies, persists along with lysosomal crystal-like masses. A lamellar structure of the altered erythrocyte plasma membrane is seldom observed.
A diagram summarizes the entire process of destruction of the red blood cell (hemolysis and digestion) as observed following its engulfment by a cat alveolar macrophage.
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The authors wish to thank Miss Gabrielle Audet for her technical assistance and Mr. Gaston Chevalier for the revision of the English text.
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Petrik, P., Collet, A.J. Electron microscopic study of the in vivo erythrophagocytosis by alveolar macrophages of the cat. Z. Zellforsch. 116, 477–486 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335053
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335053