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Viscoelastic properties of leukocytes
Kroc Foundation Series
|January 1, 1984
Summary
The study reveals white blood cell (WBC) viscoelasticity is temperature, pH, and osmolality dependent. These properties influence cell deformation and microcirculation flow dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Cellular mechanics
- Biophysics
- Hematology
Background:
- Leukocyte (WBC) deformability is crucial for microcirculation.
- Understanding WBC viscoelastic properties is key to their function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the viscoelastic properties of leukocytes (WBCs) using micropipette aspiration.
- To investigate the influence of environmental factors and treatments on WBC viscoelasticity.
Main Methods:
- Micropipette aspiration technique to measure passive deformation of neutrophils.
- Modeling of time-dependent responses using a parallel elastic-Maxwell element model.
- Analysis of environmental factor effects (temperature, pH, osmolality) and colchicine treatment.
Main Results:
- WBC viscoelasticity is temperature, pH, and osmolality dependent.
- Neutrophils and B lymphocytes exhibit similar viscoelastic coefficients; T lymphocytes have higher values.
- Calcium presence increases neutrophil viscoelasticity and induces protopod formation.
Conclusions:
- WBC viscoelastic properties significantly impact their deformability and microcirculation dynamics.
- Environmental factors and cell type influence WBC rheology.
- WBCs are prone to pore plugging due to high viscosity and nucleus, affecting flow.