“Holly Wreath” Morphology of Feline Erythrocytes–The Effects of Cyanate and 4,4′-Dipyridyldisulfide 1

Abstract

Summary

Feline erythrocytes develop into “holly wreath” or acanthocytic forms upon deoxygenation. Prior reaction with KCNO or with the sulfhydryl modifying reagent, PDS, prevents the development of abnormal morphology. Cyanate causes irreversible modification of the terminal NH₂-groups and PDS modifies the reactive -SH groups in the hemoglobins to profoundly alter the properties of the feline hemoglobins. A possible analogy with the human “sickle cell” system is indicated.

We thank Mrs. S. L. Tsai, Mrs. Y. P. Huang, and Miss Colleen Counihan for technical assistance. We also thank Mr. Gene Putz for helpful discussions and Mr. Anthony Kuzma for expert help in preparations of the photomicrographs.