Erythrocytes sedimentation profiles under gravitational field as determined by He-Ne laser 1

Abstract

The erythrocyte sedimentation profiles under gravitational field, by scanning the sample holder along the height and width, containing the blood samples with normal and crenated erythrocytes, are determined. The normal shape of erythrocytes has been altered by the controlled He-Ne laser exposures and this change, as observed microscopically, is similar to that as produced by other methods. At low exposure the erythrocytes have normal appearance, whereas, at 400 mJ/cm², the percentage of crenated cells is 25 ± 5 percent. It is observed that the modification of the shape influences the sedimentation characteristics of the erythrocytes. The erythrocytes tend to move faster after being exposed to lower exposure and slower after being exposed to higher exposure compared to that of normal erythrocytes. The possible mechanism associated with this change is discussed.