Reduction in blood viscosity at low rates of shear by surface active substances: a new hemorheologic phenomenon

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Ehrly, A.M.

Affiliations: Department of Internal Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany

Abstract: Sodium oleate, representing substances that disrupt erythrocyte aggregates, has been found to considerably decrease the low shear viscosity of blood in optimal concentrations of 20–40 mg per cent. Evidence suggests that this effect is due to reversible morphological changes in the erythrocytes which facilitate disaggregation of erythrocyte aggregates. High and physiologically unbearable concentrations of 60 mg per cent and above cause an increase in the viscosity, apparently through crenation and stiffening of the red cells.

DOI: 10.3233/BIR-1968-5303

Journal: Biorheology, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 209-214, 1968