[2 functions of proteoglycans in erythrocyte aggregation and adhesion]

It has been shown that rabbit red cells treated with formalin form aggregates in the presence of hyaluronic acid (HUA) soluble protein-chondroitin-keratan sulfate (PCKS) and cartilage proteoglycan aggregates (PA) but to a lesser degree than normal red cells. It is suggested that the proteoglycans under consideration can specifically interact with red cells. Aggregation of red cells in the presence of HUA, PCKS and PA is the result of the combined action of these two factors.