Influence of cell-specific factors on red blood cell aggregation

M W Rampling1, H J Meiselman, B Neu

  • 1Imperial College School of Medicine, London SW7 2AZ, UK. m.rampling@imperial.ac.uk

Biorheology
|April 20, 2004
PubMed
Summary

This review explores how red blood cells (RBCs) form clusters and how this behavior is influenced by both the surrounding plasma and the cells themselves. While earlier studies focused on factors like protein levels in the blood, recent evidence suggests that the cells' own properties also play a major role. The authors summarize findings on how donor differences, RBC aging, and enzymatic treatments affect aggregation. They highlight that RBC aggregability can vary widely between individuals and may be more significant than in some disease states. The review also discusses correlations between plasma polymers and aggregation patterns. The authors suggest that future research should focus on understanding the mechanisms behind these cellular influences.

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