Red cell and hemorheological changes in multiple sclerosis

Blood rheology in multiple sclerosis (MS) was investigated in 15 subjects with varying degrees of locomotor difficulties who were members of the local MS Society. Control data were obtained from blood samples from 25 male and 25 female normal blood donors. Whole blood viscosity was measured and blood filterability was assessed. Six MS females provided blood samples for scanning electron microscopy. Erythrocyte membrane fatty acids and phospholipids were assayed. Whole blood viscosity in MS females was higher than controls at 3 of 4 shear rates (p less than 0.001) but in MS males blood viscosity was higher only at shear rate of 1.0 s-1 (p less than 0.05). MS erythrocyte filtration rates were significantly lower than controls (p less than 0.001). Leucocyte counts in MS were greater than controls both in males (p less than 0.01) and females (p less than 0.001). MS erythrocyte morphology was greatly different from controls (p less than 0.0001) and erythrocyte membranes contained less sphingomyelin than controls (p less than 0.01) but more phosphatidylinositol plus phosphatidylserine (p less than 0.02). We conclude that, because our findings indicate an identifiable and potentially correctable abnormality, it is possible to envisage an inhibition of the progressive nature of MS, with the hope of a better prognosis for patients.