Glycopeptides of erythrocyte membranes in some hematological disorders.

Red cell membrane glycopeptides of subjects suffering from different hematological disorders (PNH, hemolytic anemias, dyserythropoietic anemias and polycythemia vera) have been characterized. In most cases, except in polycythemia vera, a decrease of sialic acid and galactosamine was detected. The role of these alterations is discussed with regard to the decrease of membrane glycopeptides during physiological aging of the red cell.