Related Experiment Videos
Decrease in red blood cell deformability caused by hypothermia, hemodilution, and mechanical stress: factors related
M V Kameneva1, A Undar, J F Antaki
1McGowan Center for Artificial Organ Development, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, USA.
ASAIO Journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)
|August 13, 1999
Summary
Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery damages red blood cells (RBCs), reducing their deformability. This study reveals hypothermia, plasma dilution, and mechanical stress synergistically impair RBCs, potentially hindering microcirculation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Hematology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
Background:
- Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) involves exposing blood to mechanical and environmental stressors.
- These factors, including hypothermia and plasma dilution, can damage red blood cells (RBCs).
- Damaged RBCs exhibit reduced deformability, potentially impairing microcirculation during and after CPB.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of hypothermia, plasma dilution, and mechanical stress on bovine RBC deformability.
- To determine the independent and combined impacts of these factors on RBC mechanical properties.
Main Methods:
- In vitro investigation of bovine red blood cells (RBCs).
- Exposure of RBCs to varying conditions: hypothermia, plasma dilution with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and mechanical stress.
- Assessment of RBC deformability under these conditions.
Main Results:
- Each factor—hypothermia, plasma dilution, and mechanical stress—significantly decreased RBC deformability.
- These factors acted synergistically, amplifying the negative impact on RBC deformability.
- Hypothermia's effect was more pronounced in PBS than in plasma; mechanical stress effects were worsened by plasma dilution.
Conclusions:
- Conventional CPB procedures may detrimentally affect RBCs by increasing their rigidity.
- This increased RBC rigidity can lead to impaired microcirculation and reduced tissue oxygen supply.
- Findings highlight potential complications associated with CPB and suggest areas for further research.