Cyclodextrin-induced hemolysis and shape changes of human erythrocytes in vitro.

Cyclodextrins (CyDs) at higher concentrations were found to cause hemolysis of human erythrocytes in the order of beta- greater than alpha- greater than gamma-CyD in isotonic solution. Biphasic effects of CyDs were observed for the osmotic and heat-induced hemolysis; i.e. the protection at relatively low CyD concentrations and stimulation at higher CyD concentrations. From the scanning electron microscopic observations, CyDs induced shape changes of membrane internalization type on erythrocytes. CyDs caused the release of cholesterol from erythrocyte membrane in the order of beta- greater than gamma- greater than alpha-CyD. These results clearly indicate that CyD-induced hemolysis is probably a secondary event resulting from the membrane disruption which elicited the removal of membrane components from erythrocytes.