[New approach to the study of erythrocyte aggregation]

A study was made of the possibility of inducing red cell aggregation with the substances that change the shape of the cells. It was established that crenate agents stimulate red cell aggregation and substantially increase the viscosity of their suspension. A distinct correlation was shown to exist between the changes in the red cell shape and intensity of changes in the rheological properties. It was found that the recovery of the red cell shape altered by crenate agents to the discoid one effected with the aid of chlorpromazine diminishes the aggregation of blood cells as well. Basing on the studies a hypothesis is advanced of the determining role of changes in the cell shape in the mechanism by which the cells aggregate. This hypothesis enables a new approach to the problem of intercellular interactions.