Increased Shear Resistance of Human Erythrocytes in the Presence of Glucose

Abstract

HUMAN erythrocytes are damaged when pumped through extracorporeal cardiopulmonary bypass circuits¹, haemodialysis units or prosthetic cardiac valves². Although relatively short periods of exposure can be associated with acceptably low levels of immediate erythrocyte destruction, more extended periods of recirculation may approach or exceed the regenerative capacity of the individual. In addition, the intact cells which survive the shearing process usually exhibit “sublethal” or delayed damage as manifested as a post-perfusion anaemia^3,4, a decreased erythrocyte lifespan in vivo² and an increased rate of autolysis during incubation at 37° C in vitro⁵. These factors limit the clinical applications of mechanically assisted blood flow. This damage could be reduced if the mechanical resistance of the erythrocyte membrane to disruption or damage by hydrodynamic shear stress were increased.