Theoretical model of thalassemic erythrocyte shape transformation.

Our earlier model of reticulocyte shape transformation [Pawlowski, P.H., Burzynska, B., Zielenkiewicz, P., 2006. Theoretical model of reticulocyte to erythrocyte shape transformation. J. Theor. Biol. 243, 24-38] was applied to explain the morphological properties of thalassemic erythrocytes. Modification of the standard set of parameters of the model, describing minimal cell volume, membrane bending rigidity, and membrane tension, allowed for simulation of development of alpha- and beta-thalassemic cells from splenectomized and nonsplenectomized individuals. This resulted in observation of thin rim discocytes, tailed erythrocytes and oval forms, as well as in differentiation of time of the cell shape metamorphosis. A comparative analysis of the susceptibility of thalassemic and normal erythrocytes to undergo deformation as well of their stability was performed.