Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a recent technique that allows
evaluation of features in biological systems that could not be
previously observed by other instruments. Red Blood Cells (RBC) have
been extensively studied because of their relatively simple membrane
structure, convenience of preparation and scanning [1]. As an ancillary
way of confirming diagnoses, AFM has mostly been used to determine shape
and size of RBCs, which are important indicators of some blood diseases
or disordered erythropoiesis [2]. In Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
hematopoiesis is inefficacious with consequent anemia that may evolve to
acute leukemia. Genomic alterations lead to structural defects in the
biomolecular network that forms the erythrocyte membrane. The
deformation capability of the cells and their lifetime in circulation
are diminished [5]. AFM allows us to observe in a controlled way the
response of these membrane molecular networks under physical and
chemical stimuli in many different physiological conditions, such as in
air and liquids [6]. Using this technique, many new characteristics have
been found in erythrocyte membranes that are still of undetermined
significance [3,4]. The aim of our work is to compare membrane
morphology of two groups of blood donors, that is, healthy subjects and
patients with MDS. The images yielded by AFM confirm the structure of
the erythrocytes and reveal interesting submicron features on the cell,
suggesting a way to distinguish between RBCs from healthy donors and
RBCs from patients with MDS.