Erythrocyte as a biological sensor

Abstract

The erythrocytes ability of sensing the local oxygen gradient through the hemoglobin conformation, along with changes in nitric oxide mobilization and vasomotor repercussions at the microcirculation, were reviewed in detail in this article. Different approachs trying to explain the erythrocyte death were additionally documented. Also, the influence of several types of molecules (vasoactive, oxidant/reductor) on the erythrocyte role as sensor of (i) oxygen tissue needs, (ii) blood viscosity and myogenic environment, (iii) and inflammatory conditions, were mentioned in order to highlight its physiologycal function and substitute the erroneous idea of the erythrocyte being simply a hemoglobin sac content.