Microhaemorheological properties of binifibrate. Part I: Experimental studies.

The microhaemorheological properties of 3-pyridine carboxylic acid 2-[2-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-methyl-1-oxopropoxy]-1,3-propanediyl ester (binifibrate, Biniwas), a hypolipidaemic and anti-arteriosclerotic drug composed of two nicotinic radicals and one clofibric radical united by glycerol, were studied. Binifibrate increased passage of a suspension of red blood cells at 80% haematocrit value through filters of 30-40 micron (Teitel's method), and erythrocyte deformability detectable by increase of flow rate through filters of pore size lesser than erythrocyte diameter (Schmid-Schönbein's method). After treatment, resistance to lysis in hypotonic solution is also augmented, indicating that microhaemorheological activity is due to modification of the elastic properties of the erythrocyte membrane.