[Phospholipid composition and content of the erythrocyte membrane in carriers of sickle cell trait].

By its frequency, but also by its morbidity and mortality, sickle cell disease is a real problem of public health in Senegal. It is an inherited disease of the red blood cell, characterized by vaso-occlusive manifestations in several organs, and chronic hemolytic anemia. Out of this work carried upon subjects presenting sickle cell trait (AS), we especially studied the membrane phospholipids. The aims of this study was to identify and to measure the major phospholipids of the red blood cell membrane (lecithin, lysolecithin, cephalin, lysocephalin and sphingomyelin). We noted a significant decrease of the lecithine rates, associated with significant accumulation of lysophosphatidyl choline implied in hemolysis disorders. We have also noted a significant increase of sphingomyelin which might be involved in the adhesive phenomena of the sickle cells. These preliminary results, allow to consider eventual new therapeutics, at least to reduce the clinical disorders of this painful disease.