Biomaterial Database

Changes in the functional state of the erythrocyte membrane: significance for red cell filterability and blood viscosity. 1990

H Larsson, and S U Persson, and P Hedner

Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.

Blood samples from nine healthy men were studied to determine the effect of ouabain and elevated serum calcium concentration on blood viscosity, measured by a rotational viscometer, and on red cell filterability by the St George's Filtrometer, giving values for clogging particles (CP) and red cell transit time (RCTT). Blood viscosity at a standardized haematocrit of 45% and red cell filterability was investigated in blood samples incubated for 1 h with Ringer's solution only (control), with ouabain (0.70 mmol/l) in plasma, or with serum calcium concentration increased by 3.0 mmol/l by addition of CaCl2. Incubation with ouabain significantly reduced erythrocyte K+ concentration and increased that of Na+. Ouabain caused a decrease in blood viscosity (p less than 0.05-0.005) compared to controls, although there was no decrease in red cell filterability parameters. When incubating with calcium, CP and RCTT increased significantly indicating 'stiffer' red cells, but there was no increase in blood viscosity. It is concluded that blood viscosity may be influenced by red cell factors not detected by CP or RCTT, which in turn appear to reflect red cell deformability with greater sensitivity and specificity than blood viscosity. It is concluded also that the functional state of the cell membrane may be of significance for the rheological properties of erythrocytes.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008297	Male		Males
D010042	Ouabain	A cardioactive glycoside consisting of rhamnose and ouabagenin, obtained from the seeds of Strophanthus gratus and other plants of the Apocynaceae; used like DIGITALIS. It is commonly used in cell biological studies as an inhibitor of the NA(+)-K(+)-EXCHANGING ATPASE.	Acocantherin,G-Strophanthin,Acolongifloroside K,G Strophanthin
D011188	Potassium	An element in the alkali group of metals with an atomic symbol K, atomic number 19, and atomic weight 39.10. It is the chief cation in the intracellular fluid of muscle and other cells. Potassium ion is a strong electrolyte that plays a significant role in the regulation of fluid volume and maintenance of the WATER-ELECTROLYTE BALANCE.
D001809	Blood Viscosity	The internal resistance of the BLOOD to shear forces. The in vitro measure of whole blood viscosity is of limited clinical utility because it bears little relationship to the actual viscosity within the circulation, but an increase in the viscosity of circulating blood can contribute to morbidity in patients suffering from disorders such as SICKLE CELL ANEMIA and POLYCYTHEMIA.	Blood Viscosities,Viscosities, Blood,Viscosity, Blood
D002118	Calcium	A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes.	Coagulation Factor IV,Factor IV,Blood Coagulation Factor IV,Calcium-40,Calcium 40,Factor IV, Coagulation
D004907	Erythrocyte Deformability	Ability of ERYTHROCYTES to change shape as they pass through narrow spaces, such as the microvasculature.	Erythrocyte Filterability,Deformability, Erythrocyte,Filterability, Erythrocyte
D004910	Erythrocyte Membrane	The semi-permeable outer structure of a red blood cell. It is known as a red cell 'ghost' after HEMOLYSIS.	Erythrocyte Ghost,Red Cell Cytoskeleton,Red Cell Ghost,Erythrocyte Cytoskeleton,Cytoskeleton, Erythrocyte,Cytoskeleton, Red Cell,Erythrocyte Cytoskeletons,Erythrocyte Ghosts,Erythrocyte Membranes,Ghost, Erythrocyte,Ghost, Red Cell,Membrane, Erythrocyte,Red Cell Cytoskeletons,Red Cell Ghosts
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328	Adult	A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available.	Adults
D012964	Sodium	A member of the alkali group of metals. It has the atomic symbol Na, atomic number 11, and atomic weight 23.	Sodium Ion Level,Sodium-23,Ion Level, Sodium,Level, Sodium Ion,Sodium 23