[Influence of heat-induced changes in the mechanical properties of the membrane on the filterability of human erythrocytes].

The influence of heat induced changes of mechanical membrane properties of human erythrocytes on their filterability was investigated. A 10-minute incubation at 47, 48 and 48.4 degrees C, respectively, leads to an increase of elastic membrane shear modulus (up to 130%, 240%, 260%) and membrane viscosity (up to 220%, 380%, 480%). In comparison to these effects the filterability determined by cellulose filters was diminished relatively slightly (increase of filterability index up to 110%, 130%, 170%), with the mean erythrocyte volume remaining unchanged. Taking into account former investigations it is concluded that the used filtration technique is less sensitive with respect to changes of the elastic and viscous membrane properties compared with changes of cytoplasmic viscosity of the cells.