[Changes in erythrocyte deformability following changes in oxido-reductive metabolism in diabetes mellitus]

The enhanced sorbitol synthesis in diabetic red blood cells can lead to a depletion of NADPH and, by limiting the amount of GSH produced in the glutathione-reductase step, can make the cell more susceptible to oxidant injury. Diabetic red blood cells have a shortened life span, as shown by the increase of creatine level. The osmotic resistance of diabetic erythrocytes was measured and the erythrocyte flexibility was studied using a filtration method in which the cells were forced, at a constant flow rate, through a polycarbonate membrane with 5-mu pores. The increased osmotic resistance and the impaired flexibility shown by diabetic red blood cells can be induced in normal cells by a treatment with SH-reagents (diamide). This points to a redox state-mediated decrease in deformability and survival of diabetic erythrocytes.