Morphometric analysis of erythrocyte aggregates in vitro: Pharmacological application with Bunflomedil (R)

Erythrocyte aggregation is usually evaluated through indirect measurements such as the sedimentation rate and rheometric measurements of aggregation a nd disaggregation thresholds. The aim of this study was a preliminary evalu ation of a morphometric approach of aggregates in vitro. A sample of blood (on EDTA) was examined under the microscope, and a pictur e with magnification x 640 was obtained after stabilization of the cellular structure. The digital image was analyzed with a home made dedicated softw are that allows the measurement of the cellular density and the evaluation of several shape parameters. Ten samples obtained from different donors were analysed within one hour af ter blood withdrawal and 24 hours later (preservation temperature: 4 degree sC), with and without adjunction of Buflomedil(R) (4 mug/ml). Results showe d an important anti-aggregant effect of Buflomedil(R) administrated in thes e conditions, both on fresh and preserved blood (p < 10(-3)). These results illustrate the potential interest of a morphometric approach to erythrocyte aggregation. They show new pharmacological properties of Buf lomedil(R) administered in vitro, which have to be confirmed with a therape utic administration of the compound.