title: Study on erythrocyte aggregation using computerized image analysis methods.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the relationship between erythrocyte aggregation and physical parameters: temperature and pH.
  
  
  METHODS
  Aggregation was evaluated using computerized image analysis by Aggregate Shape Parameter (ASP), defined as the ratio of the aggregate projected area to its square perimeter, and erythrocyte aggregation index (EAI). EAI was measured and compared at different temperatures (4 degreeC, 20 degreeC, 37 degreeC) and different pH values (3, 5, 7 and 9).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results show that the increase in temperature induces EAI increase and a decrease in Ph, a decrease of erythrocyte aggregation. It was found that, at pH=3 and 5, erythrocytes are destroyed and, at pH=9 RBC clusters are formed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RBC aggregate shape reflects intercellular interaction and its quantification may thus be another characteristic of RBC aggregation. Increased RBC aggregation was observed in various pathological states, such as diabetes and myocardial infarction, or following trauma.
authors: Discipline of Pharmaceutical Physics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Grigore T. Popa" - Iaşi.
authors: Diana
authors: D
authors: Lăcătuşu
authors: Discipline of Histology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Grigore T. Popa" - Iaşi.
authors: Irina Draga
authors: ID
authors: Căruntu
authors: Discipline of Biophysics and Medical Physics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Grigore T. Popa" - Iaşi.
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Rusu
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology; D004903:Erythrocyte Aggregation; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D012307:Risk Factors; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors