Action of piracetam on cation flux and deformability of sickle cells

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Stone, P.C.W. | Chalder, S.M. | Stuart, J.^{; *}

Affiliations: Department of Haematology, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TJ, UK

Correspondence: [*] Correspondence to Professor J. Stuart

Note: [] Accepted by: Editor M.R. Boisseau

Abstract: Piracetam (2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine acetamide) has been reported to have a beneficial rheological effect on sickle cells although its mode of action has remained unclear. When the Ca2+-ionophore A23187 was used to induce loss of K+ and water from sickle cells from 20 patients, the consequential loss of erythrocyte filterability through pores of 5 µm diameter was partially corrected by piracetam at concentrations of 0.1-100 mmol/l (p < 0.002 - < 0.02). No beneficial effect of piracetam was found when sickle cells were dehydrated using the K+ ionophore valinomycin. Piracetam therefore prevents cation (K+) loss, via the Gardos channel, from Ca2+-loaded erythrocytes and may thereby inhibit the dehydration of sickle cells.

Keywords: Rheology, Erythrocyte deformability, Sickle cell anemia

DOI: 10.3233/CH-1988-8524

Journal: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 8, no. 5, pp. 779-790, 1988