Red cell Ca2+ content (cytosolic and total) and erythrocyte membrane fluidity in vascular atherosclerotic disease

Abstract

In a group of 21 subjects with vascular atherosclerotic disease (VAD) we evaluated the cytosolic red cell Ca2+ content (employing Fura-2AM), the total red cell Ca2+ content (using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer) and the erythrocyte membrane fluidity (marking intact red blood cells with pyrene).

From the obtained results, it is evident that cytosolic and total red cell Ca2+ content do not distinguish normals from VAD subjects. Erythrocyte membrane fluidity discriminates normals from VAD subjects. No relationship is present between erythrocyte membrane fluidity, total and cytosolic red cell Ca2+ content.