Role of hydrogen bonding in red cell aggregation

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Hematology
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Red blood cell aggregation is a complex phenomenon influenced by various intermolecular forces.
• Dextran is known to induce red blood cell aggregation, but the specific role of hydrogen bonding requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of hydrogen bonding in dextran-induced red blood cell aggregation.
• To quantify the effect of inhibiting hydrogen bonds on the degree of red cell aggregation.

Main Methods:

• Human red blood cells were hardened with glutaraldehyde to prevent hemolysis.
• Viscometry using a coaxial cylinder viscometer was employed to measure red cell aggregation.
• The viscometric aggregation index (VAI) was calculated using viscosity measurements at different shear rates.
• Urea was used as a hydrogen bond inhibitor at high concentrations (e.g., 6 M).

Main Results:

• High concentrations of urea significantly inhibited dextran-induced red blood cell aggregation.
• The viscometric aggregation index (VAI) decreased in the presence of urea.
• These effects were observed in red cells with both intact and neuraminidase-treated surface charges.

Conclusions:

• Hydrogen bonding plays a crucial role in the aggregation of red blood cells induced by dextran.
• Inhibiting hydrogen bonds with urea effectively reduces dextran-mediated red cell aggregation.
• Understanding these physicochemical principles is vital for comprehending macromolecule-induced cell-to-cell interactions.