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Aggregation of human RBC in binary dextran-PEG polymer mixtures
B Neu1, J K Armstrong, T C Fisher
1Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. neu@hsc.usc.edu
Biorheology
|May 31, 2001
Summary
Small polymers can alter red blood cell (RBC) aggregation. Adding smaller dextrans or polyethylene glycols (PEGs) to solutions with larger polymers influenced RBC aggregation differently based on polymer type and size.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
- Hematology
Background:
- Red blood cell (RBC) aggregation is influenced by macromolecules.
- Prior studies suggest small polymers can modulate RBC aggregation induced by large macromolecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of small dextrans (DEX) and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) on RBC aggregation in the presence of large DEX or PEG.
- To explore the role of polymer size and type in modulating RBC aggregation and electrophoretic mobility (EPM).
Main Methods:
- Human RBCs were suspended in solutions containing large DEX (72.5 kDa) or PEG (35.0 kDa).
- Aggregation was measured using a photometric cone-plate system (Myrenne Aggregometer) at stasis and low shear.
- RBC electrophoretic mobility (EPM) was assessed using an automated system (E4, HaSoTec GmbH).
Main Results:
- Small PEGs reduced aggregation more than small DEX when added to DEX 70, and vice versa for PEG 35.
- For cells in DEX 70, aggregation decreased with increasing molecular mass and concentration of small polymers.
- For cells in PEG 35, small DEX decreased aggregation with increasing molecular mass/concentration, while small PEGs had minimal effect.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the polymer depletion model for RBC aggregation.
- Inhibition of aggregation is linked to increased small molecules in the depletion region.
- Further studies on binary polymer systems for RBC aggregation are warranted.