title: Filtration of sickle cells: recruitment into a rigid fraction as a function of density and oxygen tension.
abstract: The rheologic behavior of sickle cells was evaluated with a constant flow filtration system at 37 degrees C by using filters with pores of 4.8 microns diameter. Analysis of the shape of the pressure-time curves suggested that sickle cells were subdivided into two discrete subpopulations: (1) relatively deformable cells and (2) cells so rigid that they plugged the pores. The analysis allowed calculation of the fraction of cells causing plugging (FP), even when FP represented less than 0.01% of the population. FP rose with falling Po2 level, apparently with the recruitment of progressively less dense cells into the plugging fraction. A density profile for each sample was constructed. When we made the assumption that the plugging cells represented the denser moiety, this profile allowed identification of the threshold Po2 level at which cells of a given density, deoxygenated under these conditions, became unable to traverse the 4.8 microns pore.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, NY.
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Schmalzer
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Manning
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chien
mesh_terms: D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000097:blood*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D004906:Erythrocyte Count; D004907:Erythrocyte Deformability; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000473:pathology*; D005374:Filtration; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen