Detection of prostaglandin induction of erythrocyte sickling.

Sickle cell crisis may be precipitated by pregnancy or infection, conditions in which prostaglandin concentrations can be elevated. We have investigated the effects of exogenous prostaglandins on whole blood and isolated, washed erythrocytes from patients with sickle cell anemia disease. Differential counting, light scattering, and optical absorption techniques indicate that prostaglandin E2 can induce and potentiate sickling of these cells under conditions of reduced oxygen tension. Absorption characteristics of sickle cell hemoglobin indicate that prostaglandin E2 affects hemoglobin only in an intact cell. These initial results suggest that prostaglandin E2 may represent a cofactor initiating or enhancing sickle cell crisis. A new application of a light-scattering technique appears a valuable method for continuous monitoring of the sickling process.