Effect of vibration on red cell metabolism

In investigating the influence of vibrational energy on the metabolism of the erythrocyte, it was hypothesized that under conditions of normal PaO2 and SaO2 in arterial blood, vibration induced vasoconstriction would decrease local blood flow and induce hypokinetic hypoxia. This decreased blood flow and therefore decreased delivery of oxygen to the tissue would markedly lower tissue PO2 (hypokinetic hypoxia), which would influence the energetics and metabolism of the erythrocyte. The metabolism of the red blood cell (RBC) was evaluated by measuring the enzymatic activities of PFK (2.7.1.11), PGI (5.3.1.9), PK (2.7.1.40), and aldolase (4.1.3.13) from the anaerobic glycolytic cycle and D-G-6-P (1.1.1.49) from the pentose cycle. Also measured were the levels of ATP and 2,3 DPG and the in-vitro production of lactic acid. In the group of workers showing early changes (vibration angioneurosis) associated with the vibration syndrome, changes in RBC metabolism were demonstrated. Statistically significant were increases of PFK, PK and the production of lactic acid, indicating the activation of anaerobic glycolysis. Furthermore statistically significant were the increased 2,3 DPG and decreased ATP levels.