Effects of oxpentifylline on erythrocyte cation content,hydration,and deformability

Abstract

Three ionophores (A23187, valinomycin, and nystatin) were used in vitro to induce loss of K⁺ and water from human erythrocytes, thus causing cell dehydration with an increase in mean cell haemoglobin concentration and loss of filterability through pores of 5 µm diameter. Oxpentifylline (1 µmol/l, 10 µmol/l, 100 µmol/l, and 5 mmol/l) showed a concentration-dependent protective effect, reducing the loss of erythrocyte K⁺ and water and decreasing loss of filterability. This rheological action was independent of erythrocyte ATP and incubation temperature (18, 25 or 37°C). Erythrocyte dehydration is an important determinant of deformability so that membrane binding drugs that alter cation flux and maintain cell hydration are of considerable rheological interest.