Shape and volume changes in erythrocyte ghosts and spectrin-actin networks.

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Abstract
In response to changes in electrolyte concentration and pH, [human] erythrocyte ghosts can exhibit some of the characteristic shapes seen in the intact erythrocyte. These shape changes are accompanied by volume changes; both are reversible, not energy-dependent, and not inhibited by sulfhydryl reagents. The volume reduction can also be seen in isolated Triton-free spectrin-actin lattices, showing that this network is capable of reversible contraction. Reversible changes in size of the underlying cytoskeleton of the erythrocyte membrane apparently can control cell shape.