Rheological action of drugs that prevent erythrocyte dehydration.

Abstract

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.

• Authors: J Stuart, Y Y Bilto, M Player, P C Stone, S M Chalder
• Journal: Journal des maladies vasculaires (J Mal Vasc) Vol. 16 Issue 1 Pg. 46-8 ( 1991) ISSN: 0398-0499 [Print] France
• PMID: 2010707 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Azepines
• cetiedil
• Pentoxifylline
• Piracetam

Topics

• Azepines (therapeutic use)
• Erythrocyte Deformability
• Erythrocytes
• Humans
• Pentoxifylline (therapeutic use)
• Piracetam (therapeutic use)
• Rheology
• Water-Electrolyte Imbalance (drug therapy)