Erythrocyte Plasmalemma and Its Changes During the Cell Lifespan

Abstract

The article reviews literature on the organization of the erythrocyte plasmalemma and its rearrangements at different periods of the cell lifespan. In the absence of a nucleus and organelles, the plasmalemma is the only structural element of erythrocytes involved in all processes of their vital activity. The plasmalemma supports the disk-like shape of the erythrocyte, provides its ability to reversible deformation, maintains intracellular homeostasis, participates in gas transport and energy metabolism, also transfers hormones, enzymes, antibodies, medicines and other substances on its surface. The polyfunctionality of the plasmalemma is provided by the peculiarities of its lipid, protein, and carbohydrate composition, as well as by the presence of a unique cytoskeleto n, morphologically associated with the erythrocyte membrane. The plasmalemma has the substantial modifications during the erythrocyte lifespan, namely, in maturation of reticulocytes, in the processes of functioning, aging, and cell death. Biochemical  rearrangements  of  the  plasmalemma  serve  as  triggers  for  events  such  as  membrane  vesiculation, eryptosis,  and  elimination  of  senescent  erythrocytes  by  macrophages.  Age-related  changes  in  the  erythrocyte plasmalemma  are  adoptive  in  nature  and  aimed  at  maintaining  cellular  homeostasis  and  functional  activity  of these formed elements during a four-month stay in the bloodstream.