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The influence of temperature on red cell deformability
Blood
|October 1, 1975
Summary
Temperature significantly affects red blood cell (RBC) membrane properties under shear stress. Increased temperature and stress duration promote RBC elongation and tether formation, indicating enhanced membrane fluidity.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Red blood cell membranes exhibit complex physical properties.
- Understanding these properties is crucial for various physiological and pathological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of temperature on the physical characteristics of red blood cell membranes.
- To determine how temperature influences red blood cell deformation and tethering under fluid shear stress.
Main Methods:
- Red blood cells were subjected to controlled fluid shear stress in a rotating disc apparatus.
- Temperatures ranged from 2°C to 50°C, with shear durations of 1 and 10 minutes.
- Cells were fixed under stress and examined using reflected-light microscopy and computerized planimetry.
Main Results:
- At low shear stress (<2 dynes/sq cm), cells deformed into tear drops with minimal temperature influence.
- Above 2 dynes/sq cm, filamentous tethers formed, increasing in length and number with higher temperatures and longer stress durations.
- A dramatic increase in cell elongation and deformation occurred around 48°C, even at low shear stress.
Conclusions:
- Red blood cell elongation under shear stress is highly dependent on temperature, shear magnitude, and duration.
- Significant increases in red cell membrane fluidity are observed between 2°C and 37°C, and again between 48°C and 50°C.
- These findings provide insights into the thermal-mechanical behavior of cell membranes.