Red blood cells and anionic blood components (RBC/ABC)

Red blood cells and anionic blood components represent a broad physiological compartment rather than a specific molecular therapeutic target. This category includes erythrocytes, which possess a negatively charged glycocalyx rich in sialic acid, and various anionic plasma proteins like albumin (StatPearls, Physiology, Red Blood Cell). In a pharmacological context, these components function as bulk substrates that interact non-specifically with cationic drugs, such as polymyxins, through electrostatic forces (Zavascki et al., 2007, Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther). Such interactions are significant because they can sequester drugs, thereby altering their pharmacokinetic profile and increasing the volume of distribution while reducing the concentration of free, active drug available for the intended therapeutic site (Manchandani et al., 2016, Antibiotics). Furthermore, excessive binding to red blood cell membranes can lead to membrane disruption and hemolysis, posing a significant safety concern for certain classes of antibiotics and peptides (Bergman et al., 1984, J Pharm Sci). Understanding these interactions is crucial for evaluating the safety margins and dosing regimens of cationic antimicrobial agents.

Other names

ErythrocytesAnionic plasma componentsBlood-borne anionic substratesRed blood cell glycocalyxSerum anionic proteins

Non-specific electrostatic binding between cationic drug molecules and anionic surfaces (e.g., sialic acid on RBC membranes or anionic sites on plasma proteins).