What is the oxygen carrying capacity of immature red blood cells, or reticulocytes? Is there any difference between oxygen carrying capacity of mature and immature red blood cells?
This was studied by Steve Fishbone et al and concluded that the Hb content of a Reticulocyte is slightly higher than that of a mature RBC. The CHr, which is the Hb content of a reticulocyte in CRF patients receiving Erythropoetin is around 27.5 +/- 2.5 pg
Ref: Fishbone S, et al. Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Content in the Evaluation of Iron Status of Hemodialysis Patients. Kid. Int., 1997; 52: 217-222
-
$\begingroup$ Interesting. Is this the Hb content per cell? Is it considered a normal value? $\endgroup$ – Roland Mar 5 '16 at 21:20
-
$\begingroup$ Hi Roland! Thats the value in CRF patients! It could be slightly lesser by about 5-10% in normal individuals $\endgroup$ – user118008 Mar 8 '16 at 0:49