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Morphologic and internal viscosity aspects of RBC rheologic behavior
Blood Cells
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Cellular shape significantly impacts red blood cell (RBC) deformability, with altered shapes decreasing flexibility. RBC rheology is also influenced by internal viscosity and the ratio of internal to external viscosity.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Hematology
- Cellular Mechanics
Background:
- Red blood cell (RBC) rheology is crucial for microcirculation.
- Cellular morphology and internal properties influence RBC mechanical behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how cellular morphology affects human RBC rheology.
- To examine the impact of intracellular viscosity and viscosity ratios on RBC deformability.
Main Methods:
- Cone-plate viscometry for rheologic measurements.
- High-speed centrifugation and Rheoscope for cell deformation analysis.
- Microscopic observation of RBCs under varying conditions.
Main Results:
- Echinocytic and stomatocytic RBC shapes decreased deformability.
- Deformation increased with media viscosity; young cells deformed more than old cells.
- Identical deformation achieved at equal internal to external viscosity ratios.
Conclusions:
- RBC shape is a key determinant of deformability.
- Intracellular viscosity and viscosity ratios are critical factors in RBC rheology.
- Findings are relevant for understanding sickle cell disease (SCD) RBCs with altered morphology or viscosity.