THE ROLE OF BLOOD RHEOLOGY IN REGULATING BLOOD-PRESSURE

Review of the role of blood rheology in regulating blood pressure disc loses that macromolecular binding to the erythrocyte membrane is a sig nificant factor. Evidence is summarized supporting the thesis that. bl ood viscosity is a prime regulator of blood pressure. Macromolecules m ay bind io erythrocytes and other macromolecules forming structures th at increase blood viscosity when the blood stream flow rate is decreas ed. Review of the nature and extent of RBC membrane binding and a mode l for relating these bonds to blood pressure are presented.