Abstract
It has been generally believed that the red blood cells have no structural differentiation, but from studies based on my own new staining method, I have found a definite structure in these cells. The structure found by me is closely related to blood groups under the normal condition of the cells. It is true morphologically also that the red blood cells contain the blood group substances both in man and animals. The humans are now classified serologically accouding to their blood groups; and it is now possible to classify them on the basis of the structural differences of their red blood cells. The latter classification fits well with the former. This seems to indicate that the blood groups which have been thought to be the serological types are the types that are differentiated by the morpholo gical characteristics of the red blood cells.
It is clear also from my studies that the red blood cells are not without structufal differentiation and are closely related with the antigens as well as the antigenantibody reactons.
It is certain also that the latent period in serology corresponds to the important period during which the antigens mature in the red blood cells.
Although the functions of the red blood cells should be further studied mouphologically, it has been made clear that the carbohydrate metabolism occurs in these cells. It is easily imaginable that these cells, being living cells, are carrying on various metabolic activities in addition to the respiratory function which is due to the presence in them of the hemoglobin. I believe that these metabolic phenomena will be understood in morphological terms in the near future. Furthermoue, I realize that the physiology and pathology of the red blood cells should be studied further in relation to their morphology.
