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Red blood cell mechanics and functional capillary density

T W Secomb1, R Hsu

  • 1Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson 85724, USA.

International Journal of Microcirculation, Clinical and Experimental
|September 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Red blood cell mechanics significantly impact blood flow in capillaries. Their unique properties, including membrane elasticity and viscosity, influence capillary recruitment and overall functional capillary density in skeletal muscle.

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Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Biophysics
  • Microcirculation

Background:

  • Capillary recruitment in skeletal muscle shows sequential capillary flow changes.
  • This implies flow cessation in capillaries at low pressures, unlike in uniform tubes.
  • Red blood cell (RBC) interactions with capillary geometry are key.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between RBC mechanics and functional capillary density.
  • To determine the pressure required for RBC motion in irregular capillaries.
  • To assess the role of RBC membrane viscosity in flow resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Computed a lower bound for pressure needed for RBC motion using known RBC membrane elastic properties.
  • Incorporated RBC membrane viscosity into simulations.
  • Analyzed capillary recruitment and derecruitment data.

Main Results:

  • RBCs encountering capillary irregularities may cease flow at low pressures.
  • Calculated a lower bound for pressure required for RBC motion in irregular capillaries.
  • Simulations showed that RBC membrane viscosity significantly increases flow resistance.

Conclusions:

  • RBC mechanical properties are critical for regulating functional capillary density.
  • RBC deformability and membrane viscosity influence microvascular blood flow.
  • Understanding these mechanics is vital for microcirculation research.

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