Effect of temperature dependent changes in mechanical stability of red cell aggregates on relative apparent whole blood viscosity.

As the temperature dependence of relative apparent whole blood viscosity eta rel is still controversial, the relation between the temperature dependence of red cell aggregation (RCA) and that of eta rel was examined in normal donors and in patients with venous ulcers of the leg. Apparent whole blood viscosity was measured in the DEER-rheometer (0.01 Pa less than tau less than 2.9 Pa) at 10 degrees C, 20 degrees C, 30 degrees C and 37 degrees C. The instrument was calibrated for each temperature to correct for changes in viscometer geometry. Simultaneously the minimal shear stress tau Tmin to keep RCA dispersed was determined by photometric aggregometry. eta rel was found to increase with decreasing temperature. By basing the relative cold induced increase in eta rel on the state of RCA as defined by the ratio of tau/tau Tmin the relation between both features is verified: With increasing RCA the cold induced increase in eta rel is progressively enhanced.