[Microrheological studies in healthy subjects. Effect of cigarette smoke and oral contraceptives on erythrocyte flexibility].

Erythrocyte flexibility was tested in 29 healthy subjects, using whole-blood filtration through membrane filters with 5 micron pores, special attention being given to cigarette smoking and oral contraceptives as risk factors. Red cell flexibility was significantly reduced in male smokers compared with non-smokers (P is less than 0.0001), and in all male and female smokers (P is less than 0.05) An influence of oral contraceptives to erythrocyte flexibility could not be found. Reduced erythrocyte flexibility in smokers as a factor contributing to an abnormal microcirculation and to the development of arterial occlusive disease is discussed.