The role of the surface charge of human red blood cells (RBC's) in affecting RBC aggregation by macromolecules was studied by comparing the behavior of normal RBC's with that of RBC's treated with neuraminidase, which removes the sialic acids from the cell membrane and reduces the zeta potential. RBC aggregation in dextrans with different molecular weights (Dx 20, Dx 40, and Dx 80) was quantified by microscopic observation, measurement of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and determination of low-shear viscosity. Dx 20 did not cause aggregation of normal RBC's, but caused considerable aggregation of neuraminidase-treated RBC's. Neuraminidase-treated RBC's also showed stronger aggregation than normal RBC's in Dx 40 and 80. Together with the electron microscopic findings that the intercellular distance in the RBC rouleaux varies with the molecular size of dextrans used, the present study indicates that the surface charge of RBC's inhibits their aggregation by dextrans and that the electrostatic repulsive force between cell surfaces may operate over a distance of 20 nm.
Article|
May 01 1973
Role of Surface Electric Charge in Red Blood Cell Interactions
Kung-Ming Jan,
Kung-Ming Jan
From the Department of Physiology, Laboratory of Hemorheology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York 10032
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Shu Chien
Shu Chien
From the Department of Physiology, Laboratory of Hemorheology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York 10032
Search for other works by this author on:
Kung-Ming Jan
From the Department of Physiology, Laboratory of Hemorheology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York 10032
Shu Chien
From the Department of Physiology, Laboratory of Hemorheology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York 10032
Received:
July 10 1972
Online Issn: 1540-7748
Print Issn: 0022-1295
Copyright © 1973 by The Rockefeller University Press
1973
J Gen Physiol (1973) 61 (5): 638–654.
Article history
Received:
July 10 1972
Citation
Kung-Ming Jan, Shu Chien; Role of Surface Electric Charge in Red Blood Cell Interactions . J Gen Physiol 1 May 1973; 61 (5): 638–654. doi: https://doi.org/10.1085/jgp.61.5.638
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