Effect of vinpocetine on red blood cell deformability in vivo measured by a new centrifugation method.

A simple new apparatus has been devised to measure red blood cell deformability and the effect of vinpocetine (CAS 42971-09-5) on this property was examined in vivo. The filterability index obtained by this new method correlated well with that obtained by Swank's screen filtration pressure apparatus. Vinpocetine, given as a single oral dose of 10 mg, increased the red blood cell deformability of 5 healthy male volunteers as determined by both methods. The new centrifugation method is simple and suitable for clinical application. Vinpocetine appears to offer a new treatment of cerebral circulatory disorders.