Rheological action of drugs that prevent erythrocyte dehydration
Stuart, J.; Bilto, Y.Y.; Player, M.; Stone, P.C.; Chalder, S.M.
Journal des Maladies Vasculaires 16(1): 46-48
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0398-0499 PMID: 2010707 Document Number: 370676
The water content of the human erythrocyte is a major determinant of its cytoplasmic viscosity and thus deformability. Loss of cell water may be either primary or secondary to loss of erythrocyte cations (K+). Several existing drugs (cetiedil citrate, pentoxifylline and piracetam) have recently been shown to inhibit K+ loss from erythrocytes and thus have the potential to prevent erythrocyte dehydration. Further studies of cation flux pathways in the erythrocyte membrane are of importance for the development of new drugs that maintain cell hydration.