[Rheology, metabolism and oxygen transport in old and young erythrocytes in arterial occlusive disease].

Red blood cell (RBC) rheological and metabolic functions were studied in 10 diabetics with peripheral vascular disease (PAD) following separation of RBC according to cell age by density layer centrifugation. Decreased levels of ADP, ATP, 2,3-DPG and GSH were observed in dense layers of RBC containing older cell fractions. Further, raised lactate/pyruvate ratios were obtained from the same RBC fractions. O2-function was markedly impaired in all patients with PAD. Thus, metabolic disorder of RBC associated with reduced red cell deformity by retarding blood flow through the microcirculation may be important factors in states of peripheral vascular insufficiency in diabetics.