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We have shown that rats with simulated hormone deficiency develop the hyperviscosity syndrome. Course intragastric administration (14 days) of the composition of extracts from red clover (100 mg/kg) and alfalfa (100 mg/kg) prevents the development of hyperviscosity syndrome in rats with hormone deficiency.

Background: The recent in vitro demonstration that inositol hexaphosphate-loaded red blood cells (IHP-RBCs) may reduce the risks of sickling of sickle RBCs (SS RBCs) exposed to hypoxia make these modified RBCs potentially useful in transfused sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients., Study Design and Methods: Hemorheologic properties of IHP-RBCs, normal RBCs (AA RBCs), SS RBCs, SS RBCs plus AA RBCs, and SS RBCs plus IHP-RBCs were compared under normoxia and/or after hypoxic challenges., Results: Although IHP-RBCs have reduced deformability compared with SS RBCs or AA RBCs, IHP-RBCs exhibited lower aggregability than AA RBCs and SS RBCs and, when mixed with SS RBCs, the aggregation level was below the one of SS RBCs alone or SS RBCs plus AA RBCs. Blood viscosity of SS RBC plus IHP-RBC suspension was lower than the viscosity of SS RBCs alone and greater than viscosity of SS RBCs plus AA RBCs. The hypoxic challenge was detrimental for deformability and viscosity of SS RBCs alone or SS plus AA RBC suspension but not for SS plus IHP-RBC suspension., Conclusion: Our results support the fact that IHP-RBCs could be useful in SCA by decreasing RBC aggregation and blunting the adverse effects of hypoxia on RBC deformability and blood viscosity., (© 2012 American Association of Blood Banks.)

Objective: To discuss the effect and mechanism of Platycladi Cacumen Carbonisatum (PCC) on rats with blood heat and hemorrhage syndromes., Method: Rats were fed with 15 g x kg(-1) water decoctions of Zingiberis Rhizoma and 5% alcohol for 15 days to establish the blood-heat and hemorrhage syndrome model. Yunnan Baiyao was taken as the positive control drug, and PCC decoctions (5.0, 10.0 g x kg(-1)) were given simultaneously, in order to detect changes in general physical signs of rats, such as body weight, daily diet, volume of daily drinking and urine and stool, and rectal temperature. Automatic hematology analyzers was used to determine white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), and hematocrit (HCT), blood time by docking (BT). Blood rheometers was used to detect whole blood and plasma viscosities, thrombin time (TT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT) and fibrinogen content (FIB). Indexes related to thyroid functions, such as triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4), reverse triiodothyronine (rT3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured by radio-immunoassay, and changes in lung tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) stain., Result: After modeling, rats witnessed slow-down in weight growth rate, significant increase in daily diet, volume of daily drinking, urine and temperature, significant decrease in stools and their water content (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), rise in plasma T4 level, notable growth in T3 and rT3 concentrations (P < 0.05), decline in TSH concentration. Additionally, their WBC, RBC, HGB and HCT remarkably increased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), with significant increase in high, middle and low whole blood viscosities and plasma viscosity (P < 0.01); their BT, TT, APTT were notably prolonged (P < 0.01), with significant increase in FIB content (P < 0.01). After oral administration of Yunnan Baiyao or PCC, rats of all groups showed significant improvement in blood heat syndromes (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and their blood coagulation indexes including BT, TT, APTT, FIB, thyroid function indexes including T4, T3, rT3, TSH, WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity were getting normal (P < 0.05, P < 0.01)., Conclusion: PCC can ameliorate blood heat symptoms and pathologic hemorrhage among rats with blood heat and hemorrhage syndromes by inhibiting thyroid functions and correcting hemorheological and coagulation disorders.

Severe side effects of cocaine consumption are vasoocclusive events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. We have hypothesized that cocaine could affect red blood cells (RBCs) and alter the rheological behaviour of blood. Heparinized blood from healthy volunteers was incubated with a final hematocrit of 45% with increasing cocaine concentrations: 0, 10, 100, 1000, and 10'000 μmol/L plasma. Time dependence of the shape change was tested in phosphate buffered saline containing cocaine. RBCs were fixed in 1% glutaraldehyde for morphological analysis. Blood viscosity was measured with a Couette Viscometer (Contraves LS 30) at 37°C and a shear rate of 69.5 s⁻¹. RBC aggregation was assessed with a Myrenne aggregometer. Cocaine induced a dose-dependent stomatocytic shape transformation of RBCs, which was more pronounced in buffer than in plasma (plasma protein binding of the drug). Stomatocytosis occurs when a drug intercalates preferentially in the inner half of the membrane lipid bilayer. It was a time-dependent process with two components, an almost instant shape change occurring within 1 s, followed by a gradual further shape change during 10 min. Stomatocytosis was reversible by resuspension of the RBCs in cocaine-free buffer. This stomatocytic shape change increased whole blood viscosity at high shear rate from 5.69±0.31 mPa.s to 6.39±0.34 mPa.s for control and 10'000 μmol/L cocaine, respectively (p<0.01). RBC aggregation was not affected by the shape change. These effects occurred at a cocaine concentration, which is several-fold above those measured in vivo. Therefore, it is unlikely that hemorheological factors are involved in vascular events after cocaine consumption.

Objective: To observe the effect of Zaoren Anshen capsules in treating senile insomnia and changes in its hemorheology., Method: A total of 120 patients with senile insomnia were randomly divided into the Zaoren Anshen capsules group (five capsules, n = 60) and the Alprazolam group (0.8 mg, n = 60) for treatment and control observation. Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was used for evaluating clinical efficacy in the first and fourth week before and after treatment., Result: The Zaoren Anshen capsules group had lower higher scores in PSQI (5.91 +/- 1.37) than that before treatment (13.49 +/- 3.87), with great statistical significant in difference (P < 0.01). The alprazolam group had lower higher scores in PSQI than that before treatment, with great statistical significant in difference (P < 0.01). apart from higher PSQI scores in the Zaoren Anshen capsules group than that of the Alprazolam group after treatment for one week (P < 0.05), the comparison between the Zaoren Anshen capsules group and the alprazolam group before and after treatment for four weeks showed no statistical significance. As for hemorheological parameters, the difference in the whole blood viscosity (including high-shear, middle-shear and low-shear) of patients in the Zaoren Anshen capsules showed great statistical significance before and after treatment (P < 0.01), and so did the plasma viscosity (P < 0.05). Zaoren Anshen capsules showed less adverse reactions than alprazolam., Conclusion: Zaoren Anshen capsules have similar effect in treating senile insomnia with alprazolam, with less adverse reactions. They are so suitable for patients with senile insomnia that they can improve hemorheological indicators of patients with senile insomnia and have good effect in promoting circulation and removing stasis.

Clinical and laboratory indices of intoxication and hemorheology disorders that arise during acute viral infection in children have been studied. It is established for the first time that reamberine is capable of reducing the plasma and blood viscosity and can be used in the program of infusion therapy of high blood viscosity syndrome in children with acute respiratory viral infections. One of the positive mechanisms of reamberin clinical performance is its positive impact on microcirculation and hemorheology. Thus, reamberin can be considered as a means of pathogenetic therapy in acute period of infectious toxicosis during acute respiratory viral infections in children.

Objective: To investigate the influence of Tanyu Tongzhi (TYTZ) recipe on chemorheology, blood lipid and inflammatory factors of hyperlipidemia and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats., Method: Sixty SD male rats were divided into 5 groups randomly, sham-operated group, model group, high dose group of reproduced by ligation of left descending artery for 30 min followed by releasing the TYTZ and low group of TYTZ. The model of MI/RI injury of the myocardium was ligation for 2 hours in rats. Serum contents of CHO, TG, HDL-L, LDL-L and whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity and ICAM-1, TNF-alpha, IL-10 were measured after myocardial reperfusion injury., Result: Compared with sham-operated group, the levels of CHO, TG, LDL-L, whole blood viscosity (1.0,3.0) plasma viscosity and the contents of ICAM-1 were significantly higher, however, HDL-L, IL-10 levels were lower in model group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05). CHO, TG, whole blood viscosity (1.0, 3.0, 30) and expression of ICAM-1, TNF-alpha were obviously lower in low group than the model group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The TYTZ recipe can relieve reperfusion injury through regulating blood lipid, improving hemorheological characteristic and inhibiting inflammatory reaction.

This article presents the results of monitoring in a group of children with severe forms of acute respiratory viral infection and toxic encephalopathy. Hemorheological disorder in the form of hyperviscosity syndrome has been detected in all patients with severe forms of acute respiratory viral infection. It was suggested the inclusion of cytoflavin in the complex therapy for correcting the hemorheological status. The administration of cytoflavin led to reduction of erythrocyte aggregation and general improvements in rheological indices of children with severe forms of acute respiratory viral infection and toxic encephalopathy.

Objective: To investigate the effects of Liangxuehuayu Recipe on hemorheology in rats with blood stasis syndrome induced by mutifactor stimuli., Methods: SD rats were divided into control, model, Liangxuehuayu Recipe (high, middle and low dose, 18, 9, 4.5 g/kg accordingly). Except the control group, blood stasis model was established in the rest groups. The hemorheological parameters were measured and compared., Results: Blood viscosity at high, moderate and low level in rats with blood stasis significantly increased (P<0.05), but blood viscosity at high level and plasma viscosity was significantly decreased in rats induced by some stimuli after Liangxuehuayu Recipe were intra-gastrically administered for 1 weeks (P<0.01, P<0.05)., Conclusions: Liangxuehuayu Recipe is effective in improving hemorheology, and has important application value in the prevention of occurrence and development of ischemic stroke., (Copyright © 2012 Hainan Medical College. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This study investigated the influence of the oral direct inhibitor of factor Xa rivaroxaban on blood coagulation measured by rotation thrombelastometry ROTEM™. Blood was obtained from 11 healthy male volunteers before and 2.5 h after oral administration of 10 mg rivaroxaban. In addition to standard coagulation tests clot formation was measured by ROTEM™ analyzing extrinsic (Extem) and intrinsic thrombelastometry (Intem). Significant differences to the baseline values were found in the Extem clotting time (Extem-CT, 58 ± 9 s and 87 ± 17 s, p < 0.01), Intem-CT (194 ± 26 s and 239 ± 43 s; p = 0.02), prothrombin time (PT, 86 ± 9% and 67 ± 7%; p < 0.01) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT, 28 ± 1 s and 35 ± 2 s; p < 0.01). There was a low correlation between Extem-CT and PT as well as between Intem-CT and aPTT before and after rivaroxaban intake. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis determined aPTT to be the most appropriate parameter for the prediction of rivaroxaban-induced anticoagulation, Intem-CT and Extem-CT proved to be moderate tests and PT had no significance in the prediction of rivaroxaban-induced anticoagulation. Of utmost clinical importance was the fact that rivaroxaban treated patients could still show normal ROTEM™ values. Thus, ROTEM™ cannot be a suitable test method to exclude inhibition of blood coagulation by rivaroxaban.

Sarpogrelate (SP), a serotonin (5-HT2A) receptor antagonist, is used as an anti-platelet agent for the treatment of some vascular diseases. SP has been reported to inhibit 5-HT induced coronary artery spasm, increase in intracellular calcium and smooth muscle cells proliferation. This study was undertaken to test that SP suppresses the development of atherosclerosis due to high cholesterol diet (HCD) by decreasing blood viscosity and oxidative stress. For this purpose, 29 rabbits were divided into four groups: control group (normal diet); normal diet group with SP at the dose of 5 mg/kg/day; HCD group fed 1% cholesterol; and HCD group with SP at the dose of 5 mg/kg/day. After 90 days of the experiment, blood samples were collected and the animals were killed; the thoracic aorta was stained by the Oil Red O staining method. The results indicate that plasma levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and malondialdehyde were increased in rabbits fed HCD. Plasma viscosity and whole blood viscosity were also higher in the HCD group than that in normal diet group. Treatment with SP prevented these alterations induced by HCD whereas this agent had no significant effect in rabbits fed normal diet. Morphological examination of the aorta revealed that SP treatment prevented the formation of foam cells and atherosclerotic plaque. It is suggested that the beneficial effects of SP in atherosclerosis may be due to actions on blood viscosity, lipid levels and oxidative stress., (© 2012 The Authors Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine © 2012 Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine/Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)

Objective: To study the influence of soysaponins on blood lipid and grume of the rats., Methods: According to their levels of cholesterol in serum and weight, 48 SD healthy male rats were randomly divided into groups, normal control, high fat control, high fat with 10 mg/kg aspirin, high fat with soyasaponins (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg). 10 weeks after gastric lavage, determined total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and grume indices., Results: As compared to high fat control, soyasaponins significantly reduced the serum TC (high fat control 2.19, soyasaponins group 1.86, 1.85 and 1.72 mmol/L), TG and LDL-C concentrations, increased the HDL-C levels distinctly. Compared with model group, aspirin group, soyasaponins group of activated partial thromboplastin time (high fat control 60.50s, aspirin group 68.10s, soyasaponins group 66.75s, 67.33s and 67.67s), prothrombin time (high fat control 13.15s, aspirin group 18.00s, soyasaponins group 17.00, 17.43 and 18.43s) higher than the model group, plasma fibrinogen decreased (high fat control 2.51 g/L, aspirin group 2.18g/L, soyasaponins group 2.29, 2.25 and 2.10 g/L)., Conclusion: It demonstrated that the soysaponins could adjust blood fat, reduce whole blood viscosity and improve blood viscosity. It is favorable to prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

We studied the extreme hemodilution to a hematocrit of 11% induced by three plasma expanders: polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugated albumin (PEG-Alb), 6% 70-kDa dextran, and 6% 500-kDa dextran. The experimental component of our study relied on microelectrodes and cardiac output to measure both the rheological properties of plasma-expander blood mixtures and nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability in vessel walls. The modeling component consisted of an analysis of the distribution of wall shear stress (WSS) in the microvessels. Our experiments demonstrated that plasma expansion with PEG-Alb caused a state of supraperfusion with cardiac output 40% above baseline, significantly increased NO vessel wall bioavailability, and lowered peripheral vascular resistance. We attributed this behavior to the shear thinning nature of blood and PEG-Alb mixtures. To substantiate this hypothesis, we developed a mathematical model of non-Newtonian blood flow in a vessel. Our model used the Quemada rheological constitutive relationship to express blood viscosity in terms of both hematocrit and shear rate. The model revealed that the net effect of the hemodilution induced by relatively low-viscosity shear thinning PEG-Alb plasma expanders is to reduce overall blood viscosity and to increase the WSS, thus intensifying endothelial NO production. These changes act synergistically, significantly increasing cardiac output and perfusion due to lowered overall peripheral vascular resistance.

Objective: To study the effect of catalpol and puerarin freeze-dried powder for injection (CPFPI), a new compound traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation, on coagulability, hemorheology and NO in rats with qi-deficiency and blood-stasis syndrome., Method: The model of rats with qi-deficiency and blood-stasis syndrome was established by hunger, fatigue, cold-dampness, panic and high fat diet. Coagulation time (CT) was observed by the glass method, and bleeding time (BT) was measured by tail-cutting method. The effects of CPFPI were also evaluated with prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and thrombin time (TT). HCT was measured by the electric tesistance method, hemorheology indicators were observed by auto-hemorheological instrument. The level of NO in blood serum was measured by NO assay kit., Result: CPFPI 65.40 mg x kg(-1) significantly prolonged CT, BT, PT, APTT and TT in rats. The viscosity of whole blood and plasma, hematocrit, erythrocyte aggregation and rigidity index, and reduced viscosity of whole blood in 65.40 mg x kg(-1) groups were lower than model group. CPFPI 65.40 mg x kg(-1) can raise the level of NO in blood serum. 32.70 mg x kg(-1) markedly prolonged CT, PT and APTT and decreased whole blood viscosity, erythrocyte aggregation index and whole blood reduction viscosity., Conclusion: CPFPI has a significant effect in improving coagulability and hemorheology index and enhancing NO content in blood serum.

Background: Mannitol has traditionally been the mainstay of medical therapy for intracranial hypertension in patients with head injury. We previously demonstrated that mannitol reduces brain volume in patients with cerebral edema, although whether this occurs because of a reduction in brain water, blood volume, or both remains poorly understood., Objective: To test the hypothesis that mannitol acts by lowering blood viscosity leading to reflex vasoconstriction and a fall in cerebral blood volume (CBV)., Methods: We used O positron emission tomography to study 6 patients with traumatic brain injuries requiring treatment for intracranial hypertension. Cerebral blood flow (CBF), CBV, and cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen (CMRO2) were measured before and 1 hour after administration of 1.0 g/kg 20% mannitol., Results: CBV rose from 4.1 ± 0.4 to 4.2 ± 0.2 mL/100 g (P = .3), while intracranial pressure fell from 21.5 ± 4.9 to 13.7 ± 5.1 mm Hg (P < .003) after mannitol. Blood pressure, PaCO2, oxygen content, CBF, and CMRO2 did not change., Conclusion: A single bolus of 1 g/kg of 20% mannitol does not acutely lower CBV. Another mechanism, such as a reduction in brain water, may better explain mannitol's ability to lower intracranial pressure and reduce mass effect.

Effects of the effective components group of Xiaoshuantongluo formula (XECG) on rat acute blood stasis model were studied under the guidance of the concept of effective components group. Rat acute blood stasis model was induced by subcutaneous injection of epinephrine combined with ice water bath. Hemorheology indices such as whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, erythrocyte aggregation index and platelet aggregation rate; coagulation parameters including PT, APTT, TT and FIB; 6-keto-PGF1alpha, TXB2 and D-dimer levels were determined to evaluate the effects of XECG. The results showed that XECG significantly reduced ADP-induced platelet aggregation, but showed little influence on the whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity and erythrocyte aggregation rate. XECG extended PT and TT slightly, but had no effects on APTT and FIB content. D-dimer levels significantly decreased after administration of XECG with a little decrease of TXB2, but the content of 6-keto-PGF1alpha did not change significantly. The results suggest that the role of XECG of anti-aggregation is more prominent.

Background: Calcium dobesilate is an angioprotective agent that has positive effects on hemorheological parameters. It is an antioxidant that increases endothelial-derived vasodilator substance secretion, there are none that analyze its effects during the postoperative period of patients undergoing myocardial revascularization., Objective: We aimed to determine the effects of calcium dobesilate on hemorheological parameters, such as reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde in patients with ischemic heart disease undergoing myocardial revascularization in the postoperative period., Methods: One hundred and thirty-four patients operated for coronary heart disease were included in this study. Hemorheological, oxidant and antioxidant parameters were measured two days after surgery and after a period of treatment with calcium dobesilate. Then, 500 mg of calcium dobesilate was given twice a day to one group of 68 patients for three months. The control group was composed of 66 patients who did not receive this medication., Results: The increase in the erythrocyte deformability index was found to be significant compared with both the pretreatment values and with the 1st and 2nd values of the control group after calcium dobesilate administration, whereas there were no significant changes in blood viscosity, glutathione (GSH) or malondialdehyde (MDA) values after the calcium dobesilate administration. The same improvement in the CCS class was observed in patients regardless of they received the calcium dobesilate treatment., Conclusion: In the present investigation, the same improvement in the CCS class was observed in patients regardless of they received the calcium dobesilate treatment. Improvements with calcium dobesilate were statistically significant only in the increase in erythrocyte flexibility.

The present paper was aimed to explore the effect of Shuxuetong on the membrane viscoelasticity of erythrocyte taken from the acute phase patients suffering from chronic pulmonary heart disease. The membrane viscoelasticity of erythrocyte was taken from the acute phase patients suffering from chronic pulmonary heart disease. The changes of membrane viscoelasticity of erythrocyte after treated with shuxuetong were detected by micropipette aspiration technique. The results showed that the Shuxuetong of certain concentration could cause the decrease of membrane elastic modulus and viscous coefficients in acute phase patients suffering from chronic pulmonary heart disease. The study offers experimental evidences that the comprehensive treatment of pulmonary heart disease should involve the drug or measure to improve the erythrocyte deformability.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Persicae Semen (Taoren) and Carthami Flos (Honghua) used in pair which is named as Taoren-Honghua (TH) herb pair has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for promoting blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis for many years in China., Aim of the Study: This paper investigated the effects of TH and its main components amygdalin and hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) on hemorheological disorders of blood stasis in rats., Materials and Methods: Rats were randomly divided into seven groups (control group, model group, TH group, amygdalin group, HSYA group, amygdalin+HSYA group, and aspirin group) with eight animals in each, whose gender was equally distributed throughout groups. All treatments were performed by gavage and administered seven times with an interval of 12h. After the fifth administration, the model rats except those in control group with blood stasis were established by being placed in ice-cold water during the interval between two injections of adrenaline hydrochloride (Adr); and blood samples were collected 30min after the last administration on the following day., Results: TH could significantly decrease whole blood viscosity (WBV), plasma viscosity (PV) and packed cell volume (PCV). It also significantly prolonged thrombin time (TT) and thromboplastin time (APTT), increased prothrombin time (PT) and lowered fibrinogen content (FIB). HSYA which significantly decreased WBV and PV had no effect on plasma coagulation parameters. Amygdalin could significantly decrease PV, prolong APTT and decrease FIB, showing few effects on WBV. TH and its main components amygdalin and HSYA could significantly reduce platelet aggregation and protect vascular endothelial cells. Based on the above results, amygdalin and HSYA were responsible for the main curative effects of TH and usually had synergetic effects, such as decreasing PV and platelet aggregation percentage., Conclusions: The study may provide scientific information to further understanding of the mechanism(s) of TH and its main components in activating blood circulation to dissipate blood. It may also create valuable insight into the possible effects and utilization of TH and its components as a feasible alternative therapeutic agent for patients with hemorheological disorders., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Strontium ranelate is claimed to be related with increased risk of thromboembolic events. No explanation of this increased incidence of thromboembolism has been identified. However, growing evidence has clearly demonstrated the involvement of blood rheology in any thrombotic process. The aim of this study was to assess hemorheological changes with strontium ranelate treatment in elderly women with osteoporosis. This study was designed in a prospective manner. Twenty-two elderly women diagnosed with osteoporosis were included. During a 2-month treatment period, participants received strontium ranelate 2g/day. Hemorheological parameters including erythrocyte deformability, erythrocyte aggregation and plasma viscosity were measured before and after 2 months therapy with strontium ranelate. The median age of the patients was 70.0 (range=65-80) years. After 60 days of treatment, there was no statistically significant change in hemorheological parameters. None of the subjects developed clinical venous thromboembolic event (VTE) during the 2-month period of strontium ranelate treatment. Our study demonstrated that in elderly women, treatment of osteoporosis with strontium ranelate did not change hemorheological parameters over 2 months of time. However, its long-term effects on hemorheologic parameters should be evaluated further with a larger sample., (Crown Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We investigated the anti-vasospastic potential of fasudil's active metabolite, hydroxyfasudil, a Rho-kinase inhibitor, after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and also its effect on hemorheological abnormalities following cerebral ischemia. Chronic cerebral vasospasm was produced using a two-hemorrhage canine model. On day 7, angiographic vasospasm was observed in all animals, and intravenous administration of hydroxyfasudil (3 mg·kg(-1)·30 min(-1)) significantly reversed the vasospasm (predose diameter of the basilar artery, 57.9% ± 2.0% of the baseline before the injection of blood; postdose diameter, 64.5% ± 1.9%). The viscosity of whole blood was significantly increased 24 h after 1 h middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. Hydroxyfasudil (3 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly decreased blood viscosity. The specificity of hydroxyfasudil was examined against a panel of 17 protein kinases using ELISA analysis. Hydroxyfasudil inhibited Rho-kinase α and β at a concentration of 10 µM by 97.6% and 97.7%, respectively. No other protein kinase was inhibited with 10 µM hydroxyfasudil by over 40%. The present results indicate hydroxyfasudil is a selective inhibitor of Rho-kinase. The results also suggest that hydroxyfasudil contributes to the potency of fasudil to prevent cerebral vasospasm and hyperviscosity and suggest the potential utility of hydroxyfasudil as a therapeutic agent for patients with SAH.

151 patients were examined undergoing breast reconstruction. In all patients after surgery were studied rheology and acid ground state of the blood. Of these 71 patients was performed ozone therapy. This use ozone therapy helps oxygen supple of tissues, a significant decrease in lymphostasis upper limb, increases the oxygen tension in the tissues and blood, normalizes blood flow, more rapidly restores blood lymph and is the prevention postoperative complications. Frequency of early postoperative complications decreased 2,5 times the number of necrotic autotransplantate--5 times compared with patients who are in post-operative fluid therapy did not include ozone-oxygenated crystalloid solutions.

Objectives: To investigate the influence of 6 months of treatment with an oral contraceptive (OC) containing 35 μ g ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg cyproterone acetate on plasma viscosity (PV) in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)., Design: Patients with PCOS were assessed for PV before and after 6 months of treatment with an OC containing 35 μg ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg cyproterone acetate. PV was determined by a viscometer Type 53610/I SCHOTT-Instruments, Mainz at 37°C., Settings: Subjects were recruited from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology at the University Hospital of Patras, Greece., Patients: The study included 66 young women with PCOS., Main Outcome Measures: PV., Results: In PCOS women as a whole, PV at baseline was 1.249 ± 0.049 mm(2)/s (n = 66). After 6 months of treatment with an OC containing 35 μg ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg cyproterone acetate, PV was increased to 1.268 ± 0.065 mm(2)/s (p = 0.038). The difference between PV before and after 6 months of treatment with an OC containing 35 μg ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg cyproterone acetate (Δviscosity) was 0.01864 ± 0.071452 mm(2)/s. ΔViscosity was related to ?fibrinogen (r = 0.270, p = 0.046), to Δhematocrit (r = 0.514, p = 0.09) and to Δtriglycerides (r = 0.292, p = 0.021)., Conclusion: Young women with PCOS presented an increased PV under OC treatment with 35 μg ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg cyproterone acetate.

Background: Blood viscosity appears to be independent predictor of stroke, carotid intima-media thickening, atherosclerosis and most cardiovascular diseases. In an attempt to understand the toxicity and the potential threat of GNPs therapeutic and diagnostic use, an array of rheological parameters were performed to quantify the blood plasma response to different sizes and administration periods of GNPs over a wide range of shear rates., Methods: Healthy, thirty male Wistar-Kyoto rats, 8-12 weeks old (approximately 250 g body weight) were divided into control group (NG: n = 10), group 1 (G1A: intraperitoneal infusion of 10 nm GNPs for 3 days, n = 5 and G1B: intraperitoneal infusion of 10 nm GNPs for 7 days, n = 5), group 2 (G2A: intraperitoneal infusion of 50 nm GNPs for 3 days, n = 5 and G2B: intraperitoneal infusion of 50 nm GNPs for 7 days, n = 5). Dose of 100 μl of GNPs was administered to the animals via intraperitoneal injection. Blood samples of nearly 1 ml were obtained from each rat. Various rheological parameters such as torque, shear stress, shear rate, viscosity, plastic velocity, yield stress, consistency index (k) and flow index (n) were measured in the blood plasma of rats after the intraperitoneal administration of 10 and 50 nm GNP for 3 and 7 days using Brookfield LVDV-III Programmable rheometer., Results: The relationship between shear stress and shear rate for control, G1A, G1B, G2A and G2B was linearly related. The plastic viscosity and the yield stress values for G1A, G1B, G2A and G2B significantly (p < 0.05) decreased compared with the control. The n and k values calculated from equation (1). The k values for G1A, G1B and G2B decreased compared with the control; however the means were not significantly different. While G2A indicates no significant change compared with the control. The values of the flow behaviour index (n) were equal ≤ 1 for all the different GNPs sizes. The viscosity values measured for 10 and 50 nm GNPs (G1A, G1B, G2A and G2B) decreased compared with the control; however the means were not significantly different. The decrease in blood plasma viscosity values observed with all GNPs is particle size and administration period independent., Conclusions: At these particular shear rates, the estimated rheological parameters are not influenced by GNPs size and shape, number of NPs, surface area and administration period of GNPs. This study demonstrates that the highly decrease in blood plasma viscosity was accompanied with the smaller 10 nm GNPs compared with the 50 nm GNPs. The decrease in blood plasma viscosity induced with 10 and 50 nm GNPs may be attributed to decrease in hematocrit and haemoglobin concentration in addition to erythrocyte deformability. This study suggests that histomorphologcal, histochemical and ultrastrucural investigations are needed to evaluate the inflammations and tissue injuries, in relation to the application of GNPs as a therapeutic and diagnostic tool.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has been recognized as a clinical treatment for coronary heart disease (CHD) with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. The effects of BYHWD on hemorheological disorders and energy metabolism in CHD with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome are still unclear., Aim of the Study: To investigate whether the ameliorative effects of BYHWD on CHD rats with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome are associated with the regulation of hemorheological disorders and energy metabolism., Materials and Methods: The rats were lavaged with 25.68, 12.84 and 6.42 g/kg BYHWD (g weight of mixed crude drugs/kg body weight), respectively, once a day for 21 days. The body weight, exhaustive swimming time and tongue characters were observed and recorded. The whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity were determined by hematology analyzer. The level of fibrinogen (Fbg) in plasma was determined by using Fbg assay kit. The platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphatase was measured by semi-automatic whole blood platelet analyzer. The level of blood glucose (BG) was determined by LifeScan. The activity of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in heart tissues was detected by spectrophotometer., Results: BYHWD improved the exterior signs of qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in rats with CHD, including the body weight, exhaustive swimming time and tongue quality. The whole blood viscosity in rats treated with 25.68 g/kg BYHWD decreased at the shear rate of 10s(-1) (P<0.05) and the plasma viscosity decreased in rats treated with 25.68 and 12.84 g/kg BYHWD (P<0.05). The plasma Fbg level and the platelet aggregation decreased in rats treated with 25.68 g/kg BYHWD (P<0.01). The results also revealed that the BG level decreased and the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in heart tissues increased in rats treated with 25.68 and 12.84 g/kg BYHWD (P<0.01)., Conclusion: The results suggest that the ameliorative effects of BYHWD on CHD rats with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome are mediated by the improvement of hemorheological disorders and energy metabolism., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of drag reducer polymers (DRP) on arteries from normotensive (Wistar) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Polyethylene glycol (PEG 4000 at 5000 ppm) was perfused in the tail arterial bed with (E+) and without endothelium (E-) from male, adult Wistar (N = 14) and SHR (N = 13) animals under basal conditions (constant flow at 2.5 mL/min). In these preparations, flow-pressure curves (1.5 to 10 mL/min) were constructed before and 1 h after PEG 4000 perfusion. Afterwards, the tail arterial bed was fixed and the internal diameters of the arteries were then measured by microscopy and drag reduction was assessed based on the values of wall shear stress (WSS) by computational simulation. In Wistar and SHR groups, perfusion of PEG 4000 significantly reduced pulsatile pressure (Wistar/E+: 17.5 ± 2.8; SHR/E+: 16.3 ± 2.7%), WSS (Wistar/E+: 36; SHR/E+: 40%) and the flow-pressure response. The E- reduced the effects of PEG 4000 on arteries from both groups, suggesting that endothelial damage decreased the effect of PEG 4000 as a DRP. Moreover, the effects of PEG 4000 were more pronounced in the tail arterial bed from SHR compared to Wistar rats. In conclusion, these data demonstrated for the first time that PEG 4000 was more effective in reducing the pressure-flow response as well as WSS in the tail arterial bed of hypertensive than of normotensive rats and these effects were amplified by, but not dependent on, endothelial integrity. Thus, these results show an additional mechanism of action of this polymer besides its mechanical effect through the release and/or bioavailability of endothelial factors.

Hyperlipidemia plays a vital role in cardiovascular disease, and threatens our lives. The aim of this paper is to study the effects of Shuanghua granules on blood lipid in normal mice and different hyperlipidemia models. Acute and endogenous hyperlipidemia was induced in mice with yolk and Triton WR-1339 respectively. The model of hyperlipidemia in rats was set up by feeding high cholesterol diet. Then preventive effects of Shuanghua granules was observed compared with lovastatin and Zhibituo. We found that Shuanghua granules 5.6, 11.3, 22.5 g x kg (-1) could significantly reduce the serum TG level in normal mice (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in liver index, serum TG and HDL-C levels. When the mice were treated with either yolk or Triton WR-1339 in the presence of Shuanghua granules, the plasma lipoprotein levels (TC and LDL-C) were significantly reduced (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Shuanghua granules could reduce the serum TC, TG, LDL-C, MDA, NEFA and liver TC, TG, LDL-C levels, simultaneously raise serum and liver HDL-C, serum SOD, LPL, HL, LA levels of hyperlipidemia rats (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Shuanghua granules also significantly reduced whole blood viscosity, RV, etaP, IER and IEA (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), and lowered fatty degeneration of liver tissue. Compared with hyperlipidemia model, there was no significant increase in faeces lipoids concentrations. The results confirmed the mechanism of blood lipid regulating effects of Shuanghua granules is probably related with its antioxidation, regulating hemorheology and improving LPA, HL, LA enzymatic activity.

The protective effects of plant polyphenol intake on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are widely acknowledged. Caffeine-free chicory coffee is a rich source of plant phenolics, including caffeic acid, which inhibits in vitro platelet aggregation, and also phenylpyruvate tautomerase enzymatic activity of the proinflammatory cytokine, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). To assess whether chicory coffee consumption might confer cardiovascular benefits a clinical intervention study was performed with 27 healthy volunteers, who consumed 300 mL chicory coffee every day for 1 week. The dietary intervention produced variable effects on platelet aggregation, depending on the inducer used for the aggregation test. Whole blood and plasma viscosity were both significantly decreased, along with serum MIF levels, after 1 week of chicory coffee consumption. Moreover, significant improvements were seen in red blood cell deformability. No changes in hematocrit, fibrinogen level or red blood cell counts were detected. The full spectrum of these effects is unlikely to be attributable to a single compound present in chicory coffee, nevertheless, the phenolics, including caffeic acid, are expected to play a substantial role. In conclusion, our study offers an encouraging starting-point to delineate the antithrombotic and antiinflammatory effects of phenolic compounds found in chicory coffee., (Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Objective: To determine the effects of chronic administration of sildenafil citrate on healthy pregnant rats., Design: In vivo animal experimental study., Setting: Fundación IVI-Instituto Universitario IVI, Valencia, Spain., Sample: Pregnant and non-pregnant Wistar rats exposed to chronic administration of sildenafil., Methods: Placental cross-barrier and feto-maternal relationship levels, maternal blood pressure, and haemodymamic effects on uterine arteries were evaluated. The effect of growth on weight and fetal tissues, and on perinatal outcome, was investigated., Main Outcome Measures: Maternal blood pressure, blood viscosity, vascular indices of uterine arteries and fetal ductus venosus, plasmatic levels of sildenafil, embryo/fetal and litter weights, perinatal/postnatal survival rates., Results: Sildenafil citrate crossed the placenta. The maternal and fetal levels of sildenafil, and its metabolite desmethyl-sildenafil, demonstrated a positive linear correlation in treated pregnant animals versus controls; a selective maternal hypotensive effect without changes in uterine vascular resistance was noted on days E8 and E11 (embryonic day). The lower pulsatility index of the ductus venosus on day E18 suggests fetal overflow at the end of the pregnancy. Effects on offspring were placental and liver enlargement, and increased fetal weight gain in the second half of pregnancy (irrespective of liver enlargement) and at birth. Perinatal and postnatal survival rates in the sildenafil group remained unaltered. No haemodynamic effects were evident in non-pregnant animals., Conclusions: In normotensive rats, sildenafil appears to have a selective effect at the onset of pregnancy, implying increased fetal blood supply, and increased fetal weight, and placental and liver enlargement, but no increased perinatal mortality., (© 2011 The Authors Journal compilation © RCOG 2011 BJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.)

Objective: To explore the effect of Euonymus alatus on the blood glucose and hemorheology in rat model of Type 2 diabetes mellitus with blood stagnation (DMBS)., Methods: High fat diet with streptozocin was used to establish the rat model of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, followed by the prednisolone and adrenaline muscle injection to obtain DMBS. DMBS rats were divided into a DMBS group (treated with saline gavage), an Euonymus alatus group (treated with Euonymus alatus gavage), and a glybenzoylamide group (treated with glybenzoylamide gavage).A blank group was treated with saline gavage. The experiment lasted 4 weeks, followed by the evaluation of rats' behavior, and detection of fasting blood glucose and hemorheology., Results: Compared with DMBS rats, the symptoms of polydipsia and diuresis in Euonymus alatus rats were improved, with increased body weight (P<0.05), better fur and mental state, increased resistance for being caught, and reduced tongue stagnation. Compared with DMBS group, though body weight increased, resistance for being caught decreased in the glybenzoylamide group with bad fur and mental state,and tongue stagnation. As to the fasting blood glucose, there was significant difference between the Euonymus alatus group and the DMBS group (P<0.05). As to the hemorheology, including whole blood viscosity (shear rates 1,5,50, and 100 s(-1)), plasma viscosity, and hematocrit, the Euonymus alatus rats had a better efficacy than DMBS rats and glybenzoylamide rats (P<0.05 or P<0.01)., Conclusion: Euonymus alatus can reduce the fasting blood glucose of DMBS and improve blood stagnation.

Objective: Animal model of Qi deficiency and blood stasis was established by muti-factor stimulation in rats., Method: Healthy SD rats were chronically stimulated randomly by muti-factor methods (chronic sleep deprivation and feed with moderately high lipid and sugar food). Then the indices of hemorheology, plasma total lipids, vasoactive molecules, blood pressure (BP) and ventricular pressure (VP) were measured., Result: The results as well as the analysis of etiology and pathology suggested that model rats could objectively reflect the clinical characteristics of Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. Blood viscosity at low level, plasma content of angiotensin II (Ang II) and endothelin (ET) significantly increased in model rats, while BP and VP significantly decreased (P < 0.05). On the other hand, Buyang Huanwu decoction could lower down the level of AngII in serum and blood viscosity at low level in rats induced by some stimulus, whereas BP and VP elevated significantly (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Animal model of Qi deficiency and blood stasis induced by muti-factor stimulation including chronic sleep deprivation and feed with moderately high lipid and sugar food could facilitate further study on blood stasis syndrome and screening of Chinese herbal drugs in promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis.

The administration of the extract from Rhaponticum carthamoides (150 mg/kg, p.o., for 10 days) in combination with dosed low-power exercise in rats with experimental myocardial infarction led to an improvement of hemorheological indices, which was manifested by a decrease in the whole blood viscosity, aggregation of erythrocytes, and increase in erythrocyte deformability. In particular, the extract from R. carthamoides contributed to an increase in the hematocrit/blood viscosity, which was indicative of an improvement of the blood overall oxygen transport capacity. In addition, administration of the extract in combination with dosed exercise favored normalization of the lactate and pyruvate concentrations in blood of rats with myocardial infarction.

The study evaluated the affect of chronic cadmium (Cd) and monensin treatment on some hematological parameters and its relationship with the rheological variables. Adult male mice were subjected to chronic treatment with cadmium acetate [Cd(CH3COO)2 × 2H2O] (group 1), Cd(CH3COO)2 × 2H2O followed by treatment with low dose monensin (group 2) and Cd(CH3COO)2 × 2H2O followed by high dose monensin treatment (group 3). Cd(CH3COO)2 × 2H2O and deprotonated monensin were dissolved in distilled water and given daily to the experimental animals. Mice drinking distilled water served as a control group (group 4). Hematological parameters and erythrocyte morphology were evaluated in parallel with whole blood viscosity (WBV). Cd treatment reduced Hb and increased RDW. The addition of high dose monensin significantly improved erythrocytic indices compared to the control. Erythrocyte anisocytosis was observed in blood smears of Cd-treated mice corresponding to the increased RDW. WBV was significantly elevated in the experimental groups in the whole range of shear rates compared to the control group and in groups 2 and 3 was lower than in group 1 but remained higher compared to group 4. Correlations were found between WBV and RBC, Hb, Hct, MCV and RDW. The results suggest that hemorheological parameters such as WBV should be monitored in parallel with the hematological parameters when monensin is applied and heavy metal intoxication is suspected.

Effect of a course of treatment by bioflavonoids quercetin and diquertin on the physical work capacity, oxidant and antioxidant status of organism, and hemorheological parameters and deformability of erythrocytes have been studied under conditions of chronic physical overstrain in mice caused by sequential extraordinary running load. The drugs effectively prevent the development of oxidative stress, loss of elasticity of erythrocyte membranes and growth in dynamic blood viscosity in microcirculatory link of hemodynamics. It is established that both bioflavonoids significantly increase the physical work capacity of animals and prevent from the development of physical overstrain syndrome.

The effect of low and high viscosity hemodilution with plasma expanders on the extent of the cell free layer (CFL) width was analyzed in the microcirculation of the exteriorized cremaster muscle preparation of Sprague-Dawley male rats. Anesthetized animals were subjected to 40% hemodilution by blood volume, using 5% human serum albumin (HSA) or 6% Hetastarch (hydroxyethyl starch 670 kDa). Arterioles (n=5 for each treatment) were investigated. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate, vessel flow velocity and CFL width were measured at baseline and 5, 20 and 40 min post-exchange transfusion. Blood and plasma viscosity was determined from terminal blood collections. CFL width and pseudoshear rate, diameter and flow, normalized to baseline, were significantly elevated at all post-exchange assessments. Peripheral vascular resistance decreased. The increase of the CFL width was greater with HSA by comparison with Hetastarch hemodilution (p<0.05). Hetastarch blood and plasma viscosities increased significantly compared to those of HSA (p<0.05). This study shows that CFL widths are influenced by plasma expander viscosity, a phenomenon proportional to the increase in molecular weight of the colloids in solution., (© 2011 – IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved)

The effect of flaxseed extract (FSE) containing 42% secoisolariciresinol diglucoside on the blood plasma estradiol level and theological properties of blood in female Wistar rats after ovariectomy was investigated by measuring hematocrit, fibrinogen concentration, platelet aggregation and deformability, and the whole blood and plasma viscosity. Bilateral ovariectomy in rats led (in comparison to sham-operated animals) to a decrease in the estrogen level to 59% and produced a 5-9% increase in the whole blood viscosity, which was caused by impairment of the erythrocyte deformability and aggregation. The efficacy of oxygen transport to tissues was decreased by 4-7%. The treatment of ovariectomized rats with FSE (peroral administration at a daily dose of 40 mg/kg for 14 days) reduced the whole blood viscosity by 4-11% and increased the coefficient of oxygen transport to tissues by 5-11%, but did not restore the estrogen level. Thus, the hemorheological effect of FSE reduces to the improvement of microrheological parameters (decrease in erythrocyte aggregation and increase in their deformability) without the modification ofmacrorheological parameters (hematocrit, plasma viscosity and fibrinogen level).

Optimum design of preclinical research for pharmacological agents influencing the rheological properties of blood is presented. Models of hyperviscosity syndrome and approaches to studying the hemorheological activity mechanisms are described.

The objective of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of the ligustrazine ethosome patch and antimyocardial ischemia and anti-ischemic reperfusion injury effect. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided randomly into 3 groups: Group A (intragastric ligustrazine), Group B (transdermal ligustrazine ethosome patch), and Group C (conventional transdermal ligustrazine patch). After treatment, samples of blood and of various tissues such as heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, brain, and muscle samples were taken at different time points. Drug concentration was measured with HPLC, and the drug concentration-time curve was plotted. Pharmacokinetic software 3p97 was applied to calculate pharmacokinetic parameters and the area under the drug concentration-time curve (AUC) in various tissues. The rat model of acute myocardial ischemia was constructed with intravenous injection of pituitrin and the model of myocardial ischemia-perfusion injury was constructed by tying off the left anterior descending coronary artery of rats to observe the effect of ligustrazine ethosome patches on ischemic myocardium and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Results showed that AUC was highest in the transdermal drug delivery group of ligustrazine ethosome patch. There were significant differences in whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, hematocrit, red blood cell aggregation index, and deformation index between ligustrazine the ethosome patch group and ischemic control group (P < 0.01). Moreover, ligustrazine ethosome patches could reduce the scope of myocardial infarction induced by long-term ischemia. Ligustrazine ethosome patches have a sustained-release property. They can maintain stable and sustained blood drug concentration, increase bioavailability, and reduce administration times. The drug patch can decrease hemorheological indices of myocardial ischemia in rats, as well as protect acute ischemic myocardium and ischemia-reperfusion injured myocardium.

The study comprised a total of 107 patients (all men) after endured femoropopliteal bypass grafting above the genicular fissure with a synthetic stent graft manufactured by the Gore Company for stage IIB and III chronic arterial insufficiency of the lower extremities according to the Fontain-Pokrovsky classification. Group One I (control group) was composed of fifty-four patients permanently taking in the postoperative period at the out-patient stage pentoxiphylline (trental 400 mg 1 tablet 3 times daily) and xantinol nicotinate at a dose of 150 mg one tablet thrice daily. Group Two (Study Group) consisted of fifty-three patients taking after reconstructive vascular surgery at the out-patient stage in addition to pentoxiphylline and xantinol nicotinate acetylsalicylic acid (cardiomagnil 75 mg 1 tablet once daily). The Control Group patients within 3 to 6 months of follow up were found to have a considerable progressing improvement of the functional abilities of the microcirculatory bed requiring in 44 (81.5%) cases hospitalization to the Surgical Department for intensive vascular therapy. Despite this fact four (7.4%) patients within the time frame from 6 to 9 months after surgery developed thrombosis of the vascular implant requiring a repeat surgical intervention. In the Study Group patients, the degree of functional capabilities of the microcirculatory bed in the postoperative period was less considerable, reaching the maximum after 10-12 months of follow up, with eighteen (34.0%) patients requiring hospitalization for additional vascular therapy to perform. There were no cases of implants' thrombosis in the Study Group patients. Pathological alterations in the functional state of the peripheral vascular bed correlated with viscosimetric indices and activity of blood platelet aggregation. The addition of antithrombocytic agents to conservative postoperative therapy considerably improved the outcomes of surgical treatment.

Panic disorder has been associated with both an increased risk of coronary events as well as an increased risk of stroke. Hemoconcentration, with both a decrease in plasma volume and an increase in plasma viscosity, is a possible contributor to the risk of acute ischemic events. Our objectives were to demonstrate the process of hemoconcentration in response to induced panic symptoms and to assess the effect of pretreatment with ethinyl estradiol on panic-induced hemoconcentration. Fifteen male patients with panic disorder and 10 male healthy volunteers were included in a double-blind cross-over placebo-controlled design consisting of two injections of pentagastrin following randomized pretreatment with placebo and ethinyl estradiol. Plasma levels of hematocrit and hemoglobin were assessed at baseline and post-injections, and used to calculate an indirect estimation of the change in plasma volume. Pentagastrin-induced panic symptoms were associated with a mean decrease in plasma volume of 4.8% in the placebo pretreatment condition. Pretreatment with ethinyl estradiol attenuated this effect. The acute hemoconcentration observed in relation to pentagastrin-induced panic symptoms may be relevant to the increased risk of stroke and acute coronary events found in patients with panic disorder.

Addition of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) to UW (University of Wisconsin) solution increases viscosity of the solution and red blood cell (RBC) aggregation. Recently, it was suggested that HES could be replaced by a new colloid, polyethylene glycol (PEG), in UW solution. The aim of this study was to see whether and how PEG affected RBC aggregation, and whether RBC aggregation parameters had any correlation with the molecular weight and concentration of PEG. After giving informed consent and signing consent documents, 12 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Blood samples obtained from these volunteers were mixed with the test solutions with blood/solutions ratios of 5:1 and 1:1. Human RBC aggregation was investigated with an automatic hemorheological analyzer. Blood viscosity was measured with a cone-plate viscometer. Morphological characters of RBC aggregates were evaluated by light microscopy. It was found that viscosity was not affected by the Colloid-free UW solution. PEG20kDa (1 and 10 g/L) and PEG35kDa (1 g/L) had little effect on RBC aggregation, while PEG20kDa (30 g/L) and PEG35kDa (10 and 30 g/L) had a significant hyperaggregating effect on RBC. In conclusion, PEGs had a potential hyperaggregating effect on human RBC. This effect is correlated with PEG molecular weight and concentration. The use of large molecular weight and high concentration PEG in UW solution accounts for extended and accelerated aggregation of erythrocytes. The use of low concentration PEG35kDa (1 g/L) would be the optimal choice.

Background: Diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA) is based on criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. However, not all GCA patients meet these criteria and treatment may be delayed in individual patients, leading to an increased risk of complications., Methods: In an observational study, we investigated acute phase response markers in GCA and non-GCA patients matched for erythrocyte sedimentation rate and CRP levels., Results: Plasma viscosity (PV) was significantly elevated in all GCA patients, but normal in non-GCA patients., Conclusions: Our data suggest that PV may reflect a more specific component of the acute inflammatory response in patients with GCA. Analysis of PV may significantly contribute to a reliable diagnosis early in the course of the disease, particularly in patients with suspected GCA that do not meet current diagnostic criteria., (Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Free radicals play a critical role in causing hemorheologic abnormality which is highly correlated with cardiovascular disease and stroke. In this study, we established an in vitro model to evaluate the influence of free radical attacks on hemorheological parameters. A well-sealed chamber with hyperbaric oxygen was used to simulate an environment of free radical attacks. Hemorheological parameters, including whole blood viscosity, erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation, and erythrocyte deformability, were investigated. We then used the in vitro model to evaluate the anti-free radical effects of some well-known catechin antioxidants, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (-)-epicatechin 3-gallate (ECG), and (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC) on abnormal hemorheological parameters induced by hyperbaric oxygen. The results show that an increase in oxygen partial pressure (1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 atm) and exposure time (4, 8, 12 and 16 h) resulted in elevated free radical formation and viscosity of whole blood, enhanced lipid peroxidation in erythrocyte membranes, but decreased erythrocyte deformability. In addition, EGCG, ECG, and EGC (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 μM) effectively ameliorated hemorheologic abnormality and enhanced erythrocyte deformability. Therefore, this study has provided an in vitro hyperbaric oxygen model to rapidly screen or assess the efficacy of functional foods and drugs in the prevention or improvement of hemorheologic abnormality.

Acrylamide which is formed via reaction of reducing sugars with amino acids during food processing at high temperatures is not only neurotoxic and carcinogenic, but it also damages erythrocyte membrane and generates micronucleated erythrocytes. In the present study, effects of chronic administration of acrylamide at a dose which does not induce neurotoxicity were evaluated on blood viscosity parameters (hematocrit, erythrocyte deformability, erythrocyte aggregation and plasma viscosity). Twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control and acrylamide groups. The acrylamide group received 10 mg/kg/day acrylamide, whereas the control group received saline (vehicle), both in 10 ml/kg/day volume via gastric gavage. Erythrocyte aggregation and deformability were measured with LORCA and plasma viscosity with cone-plate viscometer. Erythrocyte deformability was measured before, and at the end of the 3rd and the 5th weeks of acrylamide administration. Hematocrit, erythrocyte aggregation and plasma viscosity were measured only at the end of the 5th week. Acrylamide caused a significant decrease in the deformability index of erythrocytes (at the end of the 3rd week, control: 0.606 ± 0.003, acrylamide: 0.595 ± 0.003, p < 0.05) (at the end of the 5th week, control: 0.606 ± 0.002, acrylamide: 0.588 ± 0.002, p < 0.01). Aggregation tendency and plasma viscosity were slightly higher in the acrylamide group, however the difference was not statistically significant. These results imply that acrylamide which does not cause neurotoxicity in rats may alter blood viscosity if chronically taken.

Objective: To observe the effect of Congrong powder preparation on erythrocyte parameter and the index of blood rheology in healthy rats., Method: The 50 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups ( physiological saline group, testosterone propionate group, large-dose administered group, moderate-dose administered group, small-dose administered group). Blood were taken to determine erythrocyte parameter and the index of blood rheology., Result: Congrong powder preparation had no effect on erythrocyte parameter. There was an increase in whole blood viscosity, whole blood reduction viscosity, and in the erythrocyte rigidity index in the large-dose administered group., Conclusion: Congrong powder can influence deformability and some related characters of erythrocytes.

Background: The consumption of carbohydrate-electrolyte beverages (CEs) has been known to be more effective than plain water for recovery from dehydration. This phenomenon suggests that the ingestion of CEs after dehydration is better than water for maintaining body fluid and plasma volume, and for the recovery from hemoconcentration and high blood viscosity as well. High blood viscosity causes infarction and other cardiovascular events. In this study, CE was compared with water and tea for the ability to reduce increased blood viscosity after dehydration., Methods: A crossover random control study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of three beverages for rehydration and decreasing of blood viscosity. Following exercise-induced dehydration of 2.2% of body weight in a permanent warm environment, 10 male subjects rested in a thermoneutral environment for 3 hours (rehydration period, REP). The subjects ingested test beverages equal to their body weight loss during the first 20 minutes in REP. Blood and urine samples were obtained throughout the experiments to assess the rehydration effect., Results: The change in blood viscosity at a shear rate of 5/s was significantly lower in CE ((-1.66 ± 0.21) mPa×s) in comparison to water ((-0.95 ± 0.26) mPa×s) or tea ((-0.92 ± 0.14) mPa×s) at 60th minute during the REP. The fluid retention rate was significantly greater for CE ((77.0 ± 3.9)%) than water ((61.2 ± 3.4)%) and tea ((60.5 ± 3.7)%) for 3 hours of rest in REP., Conclusions: The recovery from high blood viscosity induced by dehydration was higher with CE consumption than with water or tea. These results suggest that CE is useful for normalizing increased blood viscosity due to exercise-induced dehydration.

Here we report the first application of a fractal analysis of the viscoelastic properties of incipient blood clots. We sought to ascertain whether the incipient clot's fractal dimension, D(f,) could be used as a functional biomarker of hemostasis. The incipient clot is formed at the gel point (GP) of coagulating blood, the GP demarcating a functional change from viscoelastic liquid to a viscoelastic solid. Incipient clots formed in whole healthy blood show a clearly defined value of D(f) within a narrow range that represents an index of clotting in health, where D(f) = 1.74 (± 0.07). A significant relationship is found between the incipient clot formation time, T(GP), and the activated partial thromboplastin time, whereas the association of D(f) with the microstructural characteristics of the incipient clot is supported by its significant correlation with fibrinogen. Our study reveals that unfractionated heparin not only prolongs the onset of clot formation but has a significant effect on its fractal microstructure. A progressive increase in unfractionated heparin concentration results in a linear decrease in D(f) and a corresponding prolongation in T(GP). The results represent a new, quantitative measure of clot quality derived from measurements on whole blood samples.

Viscosity of blood substitutes is among the important determinants to restore microcirculation. Sodium alginate (SA) is always mentioned as "viscosity modifier" in creating blood substitutes. In the present study, the whole blood was diluted using SA solutions to final hematocrits of 10%, 20%, and 35%, respectively. The whole blood viscosity (WBV) at different shear rates, plasma viscosity (PV), and rheological behavior of red blood cells (RBCs) was studied in vitro. The results show that SA may induce RBCs aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the effect of SA on RBCs aggregation maybe involve the regulation of microcirculation.

Background: Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions compromise blood coagulation. Low molecular weight, low-substituted HES products, and electrolyte-balanced solutions might reduce this effect. We compared the effects of in vitro haemodilution on blood coagulation with a balanced 6% HES 130/0.42 solution (HES(BAL)), a saline-based 6% HES 130/0.4 solution (HES(SAL)), a balanced lactated Ringer's solution (RL) and a saline-based 4% gelatin solution (GEL)., Methods: Blood was obtained from 10 healthy male volunteers and diluted with the test solutions by 33% and 66%. Quality of clot formation was measured using two viscoelastic coagulation tests: SONOCLOT and activated rotation thromboelastometry ROTEM., Results: Of 16 parameters measured by the viscoelastic devices, we found three statistically significant differences compared with baseline for RL, but 11 for GEL, 10 for HES(SAL), and 11 for HES(BAL) in the 33% haemodilution group (P=0.01). Comparing the different solutions, we observed a significant difference between crystalloids and colloids but none between GEL and HES. In the 66% dilution group, effects on blood coagulation were increased when compared with the 33% dilution group. We found no differences in coagulation impairment between balanced and non-balanced HES products and no differences in the detection of impaired blood coagulation due to haemodilution between the two viscoelastic coagulation tests., Conclusions: Both ROTEM and SONOCLOT are sensitive tests for the detection of impaired blood coagulation due to haemodilution. There are fewer effects on blood coagulation using crystalloids compared with colloids. The effects of GEL and HES are similar. There is no difference between balanced HES 130/0.42 and non-balanced HES 130/0.4.

Carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatitis in rats is accompanied by blood hyperviscosity syndrome development. A course intragastric administration of thiophane under these conditions prevents the increase in whole blood viscosity by normalizing the microrheological indices (deformability and aggregation of erythrocytes), which is manifested by increasing oxygen availability for tissues.