The influence of leucocytes and plasma on red cell filtration (Red cell deformability)

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Irwin, S.T.^{a; *} | McGuigan, J.A.^b | Rocks, M.J.^c | Morris, T.C.M.^c | Merret, J.D.^a | O’Reilly, J.G.^c

Affiliations: [a] Queen’s University of Belfast, Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Science, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BJ, United Kingdom | [b] Royal Victoria Hospital, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BJ, United Kingdom | [c] Belfast City Hospital, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BJ, United Kingdom

Correspondence: [*] Correspondence to: S.T. Irwin, Queen’s University of Belfast, Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Science, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6 BJ United Kingdom.

Note: [] Accepted by: Editor J.A. Dormandy

Abstract: Impaired red cell filterability has been demonstrated in peripheral vascular disease. We have analysed the causes of impaired red cell filterability (using a simple filtration technique). The number of residual white cells in the filtered sample is critical. There was no evidence of white cell retention in the filter. The residual white cell count in the filtered samples was related to the plasma viscosity. The presence of a plasma factor, probably an acute phase reactant, makes the white cells more difficult to remove from whole blood by a standard technique. The white cells are more difficult to remove in patients with severe ischaemia and this therefore delays filtration of blood in these patients.

Keywords: Red cell filterability, leucocytes, ischaemia

DOI: 10.3233/CH-1985-5612

Journal: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 5, no. 6, pp. 959-963, 1985