Contribution of the gasotransmitter nitric oxide to the structural and functional organization of erythrocytes under conditions of hypoxia/reoxygenation.

Hypoxia is accompanied by changes in metabolism and cell functioning. Erythrocyte hemoglobin can be involved in adaptation to hypoxia by acting as an oxygen sensor, providing a link between oxygen content and blood circulation. The mechanisms providing this function have not been completely established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the gasotransmitter nitric oxide on the structural and functional organization of erythrocytes under conditions of hypoxia/reoxygenation. NO participated in adaptive reactions under hypoxia/reoxygenation conditions by changing hemoglobin conformation, followed by changes in hemoprotein spectral characteristics and hemoglobin affinity to oxygen together with increasing anisocytosis, volume and cell surface. The increase in intracellular NO concentrations under hypoxic conditions was provided by extracellular fluid nitrites. Molsidomine (a NO donor) induced a higher NO increase without involvement of the nitrite reductase mechanism, it caused an increase in the average erythrocyte volume, anisocytosis, and an increase in the cell surface.