LV12899 - In this work, we demonstrate that the red blood cells (RBC) circulating in the body can develop surprising shapes under the simple action of the forces generated by blood flow. They divide into two portions, connected by a tube. These new shapes appear if the cohesion of the RBC membrane is relatively low and the level of cohesion can vary significantly from one person to the next. The circulation of RBCs in the capillaries is affected by such shape changes, interfering with the process of supplying the body with oxygen. Furthermore, the formation of tubes is accompanied by an increase in the mechanical stress on the membrane, which may favor the development of micropores in the membrane, ultimately resulting in the loss of RBC haemoglobin (haemolysis). This may cause pathologies such as kidney failure or pulmonary hypertension. This discovery will guide future experimental research focused on tracking the morphological evolution of RBCs in the circulatory system in artificial architectures representing human blood vessels. This approach will ultimately enable better understanding of the therapeutic prevention of cardiovascular diseases and may prevent possible blood disorders from developing in asymptomatic individuals
Friday, November 9, 2012
Shape-shifting red blood cells
LV12899 - In this work, we demonstrate that the red blood cells (RBC) circulating in the body can develop surprising shapes under the simple action of the forces generated by blood flow. They divide into two portions, connected by a tube. These new shapes appear if the cohesion of the RBC membrane is relatively low and the level of cohesion can vary significantly from one person to the next. The circulation of RBCs in the capillaries is affected by such shape changes, interfering with the process of supplying the body with oxygen. Furthermore, the formation of tubes is accompanied by an increase in the mechanical stress on the membrane, which may favor the development of micropores in the membrane, ultimately resulting in the loss of RBC haemoglobin (haemolysis). This may cause pathologies such as kidney failure or pulmonary hypertension. This discovery will guide future experimental research focused on tracking the morphological evolution of RBCs in the circulatory system in artificial architectures representing human blood vessels. This approach will ultimately enable better understanding of the therapeutic prevention of cardiovascular diseases and may prevent possible blood disorders from developing in asymptomatic individuals
