Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Microcytic

Microcytic Anemias.
Why are the RBC's smaller than normal? Well there is a decrease in the synthesis of hemoglobin and and this shortage acts as a signal to induce more cells division cycles as in mitosis. When a cell goes through mitosis it gets smaller. The more divisions the smaller it gets. So since all microcytic anemias have a decrease in hemoglobin synthesis the RBC's are signaled to divide and they become small, hence the term Microcytic.

There are 4 types of microcytic Anemia:
1.) Iron Deficiency Anemia 
2.) Anemia of Chronic Disease
3.) Thalassemia (Beta & Alpha)
4.) Sideroblastic Anemia (Alcohol, Vit B-6 deficiency, Lead poisoning) 


1 comment:

  1. thanks! =) I'm a portuguese medicine student and I was just looking for that information. I couldn't find it anywere, until I saw this post! goog luck!

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