Life Span of Red Blood Cell

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Abstract
There are at present several adequate methods for measuring the life span of the red cell in both normal human subjects and experimental animals. In certain disease states in both man and laboratory animals these methods are in general adequate, but require ancillary data frequently not obtained. With the exception of the hibernating marmot and the turtle, all abnormalities of red cell life span are represented by a decrease in the life span. From the many factors that can result in shortening of the red cell life span, there do not emerge significant clues as to the mechanisms of aging of the red cell. Further understanding of the physiology of the erythrocyte must await development of better methods for the separation of red cells as a function of age.