This book reviews the function of vertebrate erythrocytes, particularly of nucleated red cells. Throughout, current knowledge on nucleated red cell function is related to the wealth of information about the function of mammalian erythrocytes. The discussion covers erythropoiesis, synthesis and structure of haemoglobin, structure of nonnucleated and nucleated erythrocytes, their deformability, energy metabolism, substrate and ion transport across the cell membrane, control of cell volume and pH, carbon dioxide transport, and oxygen transport with emphasis on the effects of environment on the oxygen affinity of blood. Aspects such as substrate transport across the membrane and the energy metabolism of nucleated red blood cells are outlined. Based on recent findings of the secondary active transport of ions across the membrane, the role of this mechanism in the control of cellular volume and pH is discussed. Finally, the control of haemoglobin function at the cellular and molecular level is treated. Special attention is paid to the regulation of oxygen affinity in changing environments.
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