Osmolality dependence of erythrocyte sedimentation and aggregation in a strong magnetic field

In order to specify the major determinant of the magnetic enhancement of er ythrocyte sedimentation observed previously, the dependence of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) on osmolality was measured under a strong magnetic field. Even at hypotonic osmolality, an increase in ESR due to aggregation was observed in plasma solution as compared with that without aggregation in saline solution. However, the magnetic field did not enhance ESR at hypo tonic osmolality, when the cell shape was an isotropic sphere (spherocyte). Thus, we narrowed our search to a mechanism that would explain the enhance d ESR found specifically in anisotropic erythrocytes. It was concluded that the major determinant can only work for anisotropic erythrocytes and is a magnetic field-induced increase in an intermembrane adhesive area due to ma gnetic orientation of anisotropic erythrocytes. Bioelectromagnetics 22:46-5 2, 2001. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.