Is "deformability" a parameter for the rate of elimination of erythrocytes from the circulation?

The "deformability" of rat erythrocytes can be gradually decreased by an in vitro treatment with the SH-oxidizing agent diamide. Despite of this reduced deformability the cells are retained in the circulation for many hours when reinfused into the rat. Cells rigidified with glutaraldehyde are even less deformable than diamide treated cells, but also survive for many hours. In contrast to rigidified cells of normal volumes swollen rigidified cells obtained by a heat treatment of erythrocytes are rapidly eliminated. The results support the notion that the "recognition" preceding the elimination of senescent and damaged cells of normal volumes by the reticulo-endothelial system is not solely based on their diminished deformability.