Life Span of Reticulocytes in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria

Two patients with PNH were transfused with young and old Cr51-labeled red cells. The young red cells (reticulocytes) were destroyed more rapidly than the older red cells. In vitro studies also revealed that the reticulocyte was more susceptible to acid hemolysis in acidified serum. In contrast the Cr51-labeled reticulocytes in 3 patients with pernicious anemia responding to cyanocobalamin showed a normal life span. In the patients with PNH and pernicious anemia, no sequestration of Cr51-labeled reticulocytes was noted in the liver or spleen by surface scanning.