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Extracellular diffusion and permeability effects on NO-RBCs interactions using an experimental and theoretical model.

Prabhakar Deonikar¹, Mahendra Kavdia

¹Biomedical Engineering Program, College of Engineering, University of Arkansas, 223 Engineering Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA.

Microvascular Research

|October 20, 2009

Summary

This study quantifies nitric oxide (NO) and red blood cell (RBC) interactions using a novel bioreactor. Findings reveal that NO concentration and hematocrit significantly influence NO-RBC reactions, impacting NO transport crucial for vasodilation.

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Published on: August 22, 2016

Area of Science:

Physiology
Biochemistry
Biophysics

Background:

Nitric oxide (NO) is a critical vasodilator regulating vascular homeostasis.
Red blood cells (RBCs) play a key role in NO transport and bioavailability.
Understanding NO-RBC interactions is vital for physiological and pathological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

To quantitatively analyze the effect of NO concentration and hematocrit on NO-RBC interactions.
To determine the NO-RBC reaction rate constant and predict NO concentrations at the RBC membrane.
To investigate the influence of extracellular resistance and RBC membrane permeability on NO transport.

Main Methods:

Designed a bioreactor to control NO concentration in the headspace for in vitro NO-RBC interaction studies.
Measured nitrite and total nitrogen species (NOx) using chemiluminescence assay.
Developed a mathematical model to simulate NO biotransport and estimate reaction kinetics and membrane permeability.

Main Results:

Nitrite and NOx levels increased with higher headspace NO concentrations.
Nitrite concentrations decreased with increasing hematocrit, while total NOx increased.
Modeling estimated the effective reaction rate constant (k(eff)) between 2.32 x 10(4) and 1.08 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1).
Physiologically relevant NO levels require membrane permeability between 0.0415-0.4 cm/s.
Extracellular resistance significantly impacts NO uptake by RBCs, especially at higher hematocrit.

Conclusions:

Both unstirred layers and RBC membrane properties significantly affect NO transport to RBCs.
The study provides crucial insights into the quantitative aspects of NO-RBC interactions.
Identified optimal membrane permeability ranges for maintaining adequate NO levels in vascular tissues.