Roles of surface electrochemistry and macromolecular adsorption in heparin-induced red blood cell aggregation

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Jan, Kung-ming

Affiliations: Departments of Physiology and Medicine, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032

Note: [] Accepted by: Editor H.L. Goldsmith

Abstract: Red blood cell (RBC) aggregation in heparin-saline solution was quantified by microscopic observation. The adsorption isotherms of heparin onto normal and neuraminidase-treated RBC surfaces were determined by radioactive heparin labeled with 125I-Bolton-Hunter Reagent. RBC aggregation by heparin requires the presence of sialic acids at cell surface and was enhanced by reduction of ionic strength of the suspending medium. Adsorption of heparin onto RBC surface was increased by removal of sialic acids. These findings not only serve to elucidate the basic mechanism of cell-cell interaction mediated by negatively charged macromolecules, but also provide experimental evidence for the possible conformational change of macromolecules at the charged surface.

Keywords: erythrocyte aggregation, heparin, sialic acids

DOI: 10.3233/BIR-1986-23202

Journal: Biorheology, vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 91-98, 1986