Gel‐filtration of sickle erythrocytes: Separation based on cell deformability

Abstract

Filtration of red blood cells (RBC) through columns of pre‐swollen agarose‐based beads has been evaluated using cells from subjects with sickle cell disease. Elution profiles from these gels showed elution times close to normal controls for a large fraction of sickle erythrocytes and a prolonged elution time for a sub‐population of these cells. Analysis of red blood cell deformability using a computerized micropore filtration system (CTA) indicated that the deformability of sickle red blood cells in the first fraction was similar to controls but that the last fraction contained a sub‐population of rigid RBC. We thus conclude that sickle red blood cell separation in columns of agarose‐based beads is based upon cell deformability. Gel filtration therefore appears to be an interesting tool for the study of red blood cells in a variety of disorders with sub‐populations of rigid, abnormal cells, and seems especially suited for studies in various sickle cell diseases.