Altered plasma viscosity and shear dependent gelation of a IgM cryoglobulin

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Carr, M.E.^{; *} | Gabriel, D.A.^{; **; ***}

Affiliations: Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Cancer Research Center, Divisions of Hematology, Department of Medicine, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, N.C., 27514

Correspondence: [**] Corresponding author: Dr. Don A. Gabriel, Division Hematology, Dept. Medicine, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27514

Note: [*] Supported by NIH Training Grant HL 07149.

Note: [***] Supported by Whitaker Foundation, NIH Grant GM333865.

Note: [] Accepted by: Editor G.V.F. Seaman

Abstract: Decreased perfusion of the microcirculation underlies the pathophysiology of cryoglobulinemia. Reduced temperature initiates cryoaggregate assembly. Perfusion of the microcirculation is diminished with increasing size of the cryoaggregate. Flow properties of both cryoglobulinemic plasma and solutions of highly purified cryoglobulin derived from a patient with Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia are highly dependent on both temperature and shear rate. At low temperature, cryoaggregates can be disrupted by low shear. However, at low temperature and shear rates above 200 sec−1, shear dependent increases in viscosity occurs. Both fibrinogen and D-penicillamine inhibit cryoaggregate formation. The role of cryoaggregation in microcirculation ischemia is presented.

Keywords: Cryoglobulin, plasma viscosity, Rheology

DOI: 10.3233/CH-1986-6605

Journal: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 6, no. 6, pp. 529-540, 1986