Reduced erythrocyte deformability as a possible contributing factor to pulmonary hypertension and ascites in broiler chickens.

Deformability of erythrocytes and hematological parameters in white leghorn and broiler chickens were measured at age 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days. For deformability testing, a simple vertical apparatus containing a polycarbonate membrane with 5-microns pores was used. This technique assesses erythrocyte deformability by measuring the filtration time of an erythrocyte suspension through the pores. There was a significant difference in filtration time between the leghorns and broilers at all sampling times. These results indicate that reduced erythrocyte deformability in broilers may be one of the predisposing factors that increase resistance to blood flow and alter the rheology of blood in the microcirculation in the lung. Increased resistance to flow may result in pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, and ascites in broiler chickens.