[Effect of polyethylene oxides on erythrocyte aggregation]

The effect of polyethylene oxide of different molecular weight on the aggregation of erythrocytes has been investigated. It was shown that the addition to blood of polymers with molecular weight of 600 and 1 000 weakens this aggregation, whereas the addition of those with molecular weights of 4 000 and 6 000 completely prevents it, simultaneously decreasing their osmotic resistance. Polyethylene oxide with molecular weight from 20 000 to 1 000 000 increase the aggregation of erythrocytes and do not affect their osmotic resistance. The aggregation of erythrocytes is a reversible process. The decrease in polyethylene oxide concentration leads to decreasing aggregation effect. The mechanism of the effect of polymers on cell aggregation is discussed.