New aspects of erythrocyte aggregation

Abstract

We studied blood and plasma viscosity, hematocrit, erythrocyte aggregation index and plasma protein fractions in 26 healthy subjects. We found a significant positive linear correlation between hematocrit and blood viscosity at each of the considered shear rates (low shear range), and a significant negative linear correlation between hematocrit and erythrocyte aggregation index. Furthermore, we found a significant linear correlation between a multiparameter index and erythrocyte aggregation index so that fibrinogen and a-2-globulins seemed to have an enhancing effect on rouleaux forming whereas albumin and hematocrit seemed to play an opposing role. Physiopathological and clinical aspects of these findings were discussed.