Hemoglobin s polymerization and red cell membrane changes.

Different pathways lead from the simple point mutation in hemoglobin to the membrane changes that characterize the altered interaction of the sickle red blood cell with its environment, including endothelial cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Polymerization and oxidation-induced damage to both lipid and protein components of the red cell membrane, as well as the generation of bioreactive membrane material (microparticles), has a profound effect on all tissues and organs, and defines the vasculopathy of the patient with sickle cell disease.