The effects of phenothiazines on human erythrocytes: an ultrastructural study

Antierythrocyte autoantibody formation after therapy with interleukin-2 and gamma-interferon

The cardiovascular, renal, pulmonary, and dermatologic toxicities of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and gamma-interferon (IFN) are well described. However, autoimmune toxicities have only recently been noticed. The authors report the development of warm autoantibodies against erythrocytes in a patient receiving IL-2 (3.75 x 10(6) cetus units/m2 intravenous bolus three times per week) and gamma-IFN (0.1 mg/m2 subcutaneously three times per week) for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Other potential causes of autoantibody formation, such as drugs, infection, and collagen vascular disease, were excluded. Both gamma-IFN and IL-2 have the potential to trigger or exacerbate autoimmunity due to either aberrant expression of restricted antigens or inhibition of normal cellular immune suppressor mechanisms.

Electron microscope study of PNH red cells and AET-treated normal red cells (PNH-like cells)

The morphology of red cells damaged by 2-aminoethylisothiouronium bromide (AET) has been compared to that of PNH cells by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The main features of the effect of AET as demonstrated by the scanning electron microscope were spherical and deformed cells, with surface craters and relatively large pits. The transmission electron microscope revealed loss of surface structure, an unusual amount of irregularly shaped electrondense material and fine pits in the cell membranes. The paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria cells showed, by transmission electron microscope, electron-dense material scattered over the cell and fine pitting; by scanning electron microscope, larger craters were seen and swellings protruded from the cell surface. Although the AET changes were not identical with the natural abnormality of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria, the two types of cells were sufficiently similar to each other to support the proposition that AET cells have many of the characteristics of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria.