Abstract

ARCE HERNANDEZ, Ada Amalia  and  VILLAESCUSA BLANCO, Rinaldo. Organization of the cell membrane: band 3, structure and function . Rev Cubana Hematol Inmunol Hemoter [online]. 2005, vol.21, n.3, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-2996.

The term band 3 refers to a group of anion exchangers (AE 0-3) that are present in the membrane of all cells and cellular organella and take part in diverse physiologic activities, among which the bicarbonate/ chloride exchange, the IgG binding and cellular removal , and the maintenance of cellular integrity stand out. AE1 is the central integral element of a protein macrocomplex in the context of the organization of the erythrocyte membrane that is composed of 3 domains with specific structural and metabolic functions. Structural changes of band 3 and the presence of natural anti band 3 antibodies have been associated with cellular aging and the generation of the senescent cell antigen (SCA). The mechanism of early aging of SS erythocytes in drepanocytosis is analysed starting from the augmented autooxidation of hemoglobin that brings about alterations in band 3 and SCA expression, IgG binding and the removal of SS erythrocytes by phagocytosis. Band 3 alterations have also been observed in neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, family idiopathic dischinesia, and idiopathic epilepsies, as well as in cardiovascular diseases. The high mortality in the newborn with total band 3 deficiency has been stressed

Keywords : Senescent cell antigen; band 3; drepanocytosis; cell membrane.