[Evaluation of erythrocyte deformability using a cell transit analyzer "CTA". Comparison with the technique of initial filtration flow rate. Application to the blood of diabetic patients].

This work aims to study the erythrocyte deformability by the Cell Transit Analyser "CTA". In the first place the investigations consist of the evaluation of the sensitivity of the CTA compared to that of the initial filtration flow rate method via Hanss Hemorheometer. The sensitivity is tested by using the blood samples whose deformability is artificially modified. In all experiments involving artificially-altered erythrocytes, the mean transit time is demonstrated to be a sensitive parameter to the changes in erythrocyte deformability. In the second place, the CTA is used to evaluate the RBC deformability in diabetic patients. The mean transit time of the RBC population from diabetic patients is found to be significantly higher than that of the healthy control subjects. This means a reduced deformability in diabetics. The analysis of the transit time distribution demonstrates that only a subpopulation is responsible for this disturbance.