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Published on: May 16, 2013
Margination of red blood cells infected by Plasmodium falciparum in a microvessel
Yohsuke Imai1, Keita Nakaaki, Hitoshi Kondo
1Department of Bioengineering and Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-01 Aramaki Aza Aoba, Sendai 980-8579, Japan. yimai@pfsl.mech.tohoku.ac.jp
Abstract:
We investigated numerically the mechanism of margination of Plasmodium falciparum malaria-infected red blood cells (Pf-IRBCs) in micro-scale blood flow. Our model illustrates that continuous hydrodynamic interaction between a Pf-IRBC in the trophozoite stage (Pf-T-IRBC) and healthy red blood cells (HRBCs) results in the margination of the Pf-T-IRBC and, thus, a longer duration of contact with endothelial cells. The Pf-T-IRBC and HRBCs first form a "train". The volume fraction of RBCs is then locally increased, to approximately 40%, and this value is maintained for a long period of time due to the formation of a long train in high-hematocrit conditions. Even in low-hematocrit conditions, the local volume fraction is instantaneously elevated to 40% and the Pf-T-IRBC can migrate to the wall. However, the short train formed in low-hematocrit conditions does not provide continuous interaction, and the Pf-T-IRBC moves back to the center of the channel.
Insights
Plasmodium falciparum malaria-infected red blood cells (Pf-IRBCs) marginate to vessel walls via hydrodynamic interactions. This margination, particularly in high-hematocrit conditions, prolongs contact with endothelial cells, crucial for malaria pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Hematology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection alters red blood cell (RBC) properties.
- Margination of infected RBCs (IRBCs) to vascular endothelium is key to severe malaria.
- Understanding the biophysical mechanisms of IRBC margination is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To numerically investigate the mechanism of margination of Plasmodium falciparum malaria-infected red blood cells (Pf-IRBCs) in micro-scale blood flow.
- To elucidate the role of hydrodynamic interactions between Pf-IRBCs and healthy RBCs (HRBCs) in margination.
- To determine the influence of hematocrit levels on Pf-IRBC margination and endothelial cell contact duration.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulations of micro-scale blood flow.
- Modeling of hydrodynamic interactions between Pf-IRBCs and HRBCs.
- Analysis of RBC volume fraction and train formation dynamics.
Main Results:
- Continuous hydrodynamic interaction between trophozoite-stage Pf-IRBCs (Pf-T-IRBCs) and HRBCs leads to margination.
- Formation of RBC 'trains' locally increases RBC volume fraction to ~40%.
- High-hematocrit conditions sustain long trains, promoting prolonged Pf-T-IRBC margination and endothelial contact; low-hematocrit conditions result in transient margination.
Conclusions:
- Hydrodynamic interactions drive Pf-IRBC margination in microcirculation.
- Sustained margination and endothelial contact are hematocrit-dependent.
- The findings provide insights into the biophysical basis of malaria pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
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