Effects of hypochromic microcytic anemia induced by an iron-copper free diet on whole blood filterability and other hemorheological parameters in rats

Uncorrected and corrected blood viscosity, plasma viscosity and whole blood filterability were evaluated in 15 rats submitted to an iron-copper (Fe-Cu) free diet and 15 rats fed with the same diet supplemented with the daily requirement of the two minerals. Hemathological parameters (Hb, MCV, PCV, MCH, white, red blood cell and platelet total counts) were also measured. Fe-Cu deficient rats developed severe microcytic anemia within 7–8 weeks of diet. This was associated with a 43% and 31% decrease of blood viscosity and whole blood filterability, respectively. Higher values of corrected blood viscosity and white cell total counts were found in anemic respect to control rats fed with Fe-Cu supplemented diet. Results of plasma viscosity were similar in both groups. Our study shows that severe sideropenic anemia is accompanied by hemorheological alterations leading to a significant reduction of whole blood filterability. It is suggested that, in microcytic anemia, microcirculatory flux is impaired and this phenomenon may play an important role in anemia-induced tissue hypoxia.