Action of cetiedil citrate on the cation content,deformability,and osmotic fragility of human erythrocytes

Abstract

Cetiedil citrate is an iminoester and vasodilator that has a rheological effect in vascular disease and sickle-cell anaemia. When norma 1 human erythrocytes were dehydrated in vi tro us i ng the Ca²⁺ ionophore A23187, or the Na⁺/K⁺ ionophore nystatin, the drug was shown to have a dual effect - decreasing K⁺ loss via the Gardos channel and increasing passive Na⁺ and K⁺ flux along their concentration gradients. Erythrocyte filterability through 5 µm diameter pores altered in association with change in the cation, and therefore water, content of the ionophore-treated erythrocytes. There was no evidence that the drug increased ATP concentration or, when tested by osmotic fragility and laser diffractometry, that it expanded the membrane surface area of erythrocytes. Thus the rheological action of cetiedil citrate on human erythrocytes is mediated by an effect on cell hydration.