Red cell filterability in diabetes

Abstract

A negative pressure red cell filteration technique using polycarbonate sieve (Nuclepore) was devised for the observation of red cell filterability (RCF) in diabetes. A significant increase of HbA, was suggested to be closely correlated to the decrease of RCF. A greater decrease of RCF was observed in diabetics with advanced retinopathy.

The increased 2, 3-DPG of red cells has been observed in diabetes, but P₅₀, changed much less than might be expected.

Improved RCF was observed when Pentoxifylline was added into red cell suspensions. This suggests that Pentoxifylline will have a good effect on microcirculation where impared circulation is observed.

Key Words:

• diabetic retinopathy
• 2, 3-diphosphoglycerate
• negative pressure filtration technique
• oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve
• P₅₀