Effects of pentoxifylline on red blood cell deformability and blood viscosity under hyperosmolar conditions.

Using a hyperosmolar erythrocyte model, the authors studied the effect of changes in red cell deformability on whole blood viscosity and investigated the possibility of using pentoxifylline to modify red cell deformability and whole blood viscosity. In vitro studies reveal a significant correlation between the two parameters in as much as they are inversely proportionate, i.e. viscosity increases as red cell deformability decreases and vice versa. Addition of pentoxyfylline improves impaired red cell deformability under hyperosmolar conditions and simultaneously produces a reduction in whole blood viscosity.