Improved deformability of crenated red cells in hyperosmolar human blood by adenosine

Under hyperosmolar conditions the flow properties of fresh human blood and erythrocytes are markedly impaired. This can be demonstrated in-vitro using a standardized microrheological 8 mum-filter system.-After the addition of small doses of adenosine to human hyperosmolar blood and subsequent incubation, the impaired flow properties of the red cells could be significantly improved. The flow of erythrocytes through the 8 mum capillaries within a given time was increased as compared to the control (blanks). From these results we must assume that the increased ATP-level in the erythrocytes reduces the hyperosmolar alteration of the red cell membrane after the adenosine incubation. These results show, that the flow properties of fresh human red cells can be improved biochemically.