Eryptosis
Eryptosis
Eryptosis (pronounced: eh-rip-toh-sis) is a term used in medicine to describe the process of programmed cell death in erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells. This process is similar to apoptosis, but is specific to erythrocytes.
Etymology
The term "eryptosis" is derived from the Greek words "erythros" meaning red, and "ptosis" meaning falling. This term was coined to describe the unique process of programmed cell death in erythrocytes.
Process
Eryptosis is triggered by a variety of factors, including oxidative stress, energy depletion, and exposure to certain toxins or drugs. The process involves cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, and phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface. These changes lead to the recognition and removal of the erythrocytes by macrophages in the spleen.
Clinical Significance
Eryptosis is a normal physiological process that helps to maintain the balance of red blood cells in the body. However, excessive eryptosis can lead to anemia, and has been associated with a variety of diseases, including diabetes, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease.
Related Terms
- Apoptosis: A form of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.
- Erythrocytes: Also known as red blood cells, these are the most common type of blood cell and the vertebrate organism's principal means of delivering oxygen to the body tissues.
- Macrophages: A type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris, foreign substances, microbes, and cancer cells in a process called phagocytosis.
- Spleen: An organ that is part of the lymphatic system, it recycles red blood cells and stores platelets and white blood cells.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Eryptosis
- Wikipedia's article - Eryptosis
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