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Hemolysis
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<p>Hemolysis or haemolysis , also known by several other names, is the rupturing (<a href="/facts/Lysis/th8pXeEn">lysis</a>) of <a href="/facts/Red_blood_cell/Kggpq8Jh">red blood cells</a> (erythrocytes) and the release of their contents (<a href="/facts/Cytoplasm/Wa0sE6xf">cytoplasm</a>) into surrounding fluid (e.g. <a href="/facts/Blood_plasma/oHuwwugG">blood plasma</a>). Hemolysis may occur <a href="/facts/In_vivo/kWcWyl6f">in vivo</a> or <a href="/facts/In_vitro/evp3hAX6">in vitro</a>. </p><p>One cause of hemolysis is the action of <a href="/facts/Hemolysin/VFXR9Exg">hemolysins</a>, toxins that are produced by certain <a href="/facts/Pathogenic_bacteria/X5QcVN5j">pathogenic bacteria</a> or <a href="/facts/Fungus/BHo5DP59">fungi</a>. Another cause is intense physical exercise. <a href="/facts/Hemolysin/VFXR9Exg">Hemolysins</a> damage the red blood cell's <a href="/facts/Cytoplasmic_membrane/vAXSD0DT">cytoplasmic membrane</a>, causing lysis and eventually cell death. </p>