Question:

Patulin, the most common mycotoxin in apples and apple-derived products, triggers apoptosis and has thus been considered for the treatment of cancer. Similar to apoptosis of nucleated cells, erythrocytes may enter suicidal death or eryptosis, which is characterized by cell shrinkage and by cell membrane scrambling leading to phosphatidylserine-exposure at the erythrocyte surface. Stimulators of eryptosis include increase of cytosolic Ca²⁺-activity ([Ca²⁺]_i). The present study explored, whether exposure of human erythrocytes to patulin is followed by eryptosis.

Methods:

Forward scatter was measured to estimate cell volume, annexin V binding to detect phosphatidylserine-exposure, hemoglobin release to quantify hemolysis, and Fluo3-fluorescence to determine [Ca²⁺]_i.

Results:

A 48 h exposure to patulin significantly increased [Ca²⁺]_I (5 µM), significantly decreased forward scatter (5 µM) and significantly increased annexin-V-binding (2.5 µM). Patulin (10 µM) induced annexin-V-binding was virtually abrogated by removal of extracellular Ca²⁺.

Conclusion:

Patulin stimulates Ca²⁺ entry into erythrocytes, an effect triggering suicidal erythrocyte death or eryptosis.