[Lipid composition and fluidity of the erythrocyte membrane in the elderly]

The authors, continuing their studies on hemorheological aspects (blood and plasma viscosity and erythrocyte filtration) and blood flow in the aged, have also studied lipids and fluidity in erythrocyte membrane in aged subjects compared to a group of young control subjects. Such studies underlined a significant rise in plasma and blood viscosity, a decrease of erythrocyte filtration and significant alterations in lipid components and membrane fluidity. The results suggest a correlation between the decreased erythrocyte deformability observed during human aging and the decreased fluidity of the erythrocyte membrane.