Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 14, 2026
Controlled Microfluidic Environment for Dynamic Investigation of Red Blood Cell Aggregation
Published on: June 4, 2015
Effect of immunoglobulins and IgG-fragments on the human erythrocyte aggregation, studied by a rheoscope combined
Using a rheoscope, combined with a TV image analyzer and a computer, the effects of immunoglobulins and IgG-fragments on the process of human erythrocyte aggregation were determined. The immunoglobulins accelerated the aggregation; the effect increased with their molecular weight, i.e., IgG congruent to gamma-globulin less than IgA less than IgM. An empirical relationship, expressing the dependence on the immunoglobulin concentrations, was proposed. F(ab')2-fragment accelerated the aggregation, more effectively than IgG, while Fab- and Fc-fragments did not. Therefore, two Fab-portions are presumably needed to form the aggregates, and the flexibility between two Fab-portions may be important. A case of multiple myeloma showed an increased aggregation, due to the increased myeloma protein.
Using a rheoscope, combined with a TV image analyzer and a computer, the effects of immunoglobulins and IgG-fragments on the process of human erythrocyte aggregation were determined. The immunoglobulins accelerated the aggregation; the effect increased with their molecular weight, i.e., IgG congruent to gamma-globulin less than IgA less than IgM. An empirical relationship, expressing the dependence on the immunoglobulin concentrations, was proposed. F(ab')2-fragment accelerated the aggregation, more effectively than IgG, while Fab- and Fc-fragments did not. Therefore, two Fab-portions are presumably needed to form the aggregates, and the flexibility between two Fab-portions may be important. A case of multiple myeloma showed an increased aggregation, due to the increased myeloma protein.
