Publication: Haemolytic Effects of Hypo-osmotic Salt Solutions on Human Erythrocytes
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Date
2011
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
While it is well known that hypotonic solutions of sodium chloride induce
hemolysis, the effects of other salt solutions on human erythrocytes have not been
well documented.
Objective
The study is to compare the effects of other salt solutions on human red cells.
Methods
Iso-osmotic and hypo-osmotic solutions of various salts were prepared after taking
into account their molecular weight and osmotic pressure. Five healthy volunteers
between the age of 22-30 years were randomly selected and ten blood samples
were collected from them. The study was conducted from January 2009 to February
2009. Blood was collected from subjects by venepuncture into heparinised tubes.
20 μl of blood was pipetted into 1 ml of each solution and incubated for one hour
at 37ºC in a water bath. The solutions were centrifuged and the colour of the
supernatant was read in a spectrophotometer. Supernatant from blood added to
distilled water was considered 100% hemolysed.
Results
Iso-osmotic salt solutions were free of hemolysis. Among chloride salts, sodium
chloride showed the least hemolysis and potassium chloride and nickel chloride
resulted into greater hemolysis. Among potassium salts, potassium bromate caused
highest amount of hemolysis whereas potassium sulphate showed the least.
Conclusion
The significant differences in hemolytic pattern in hypo-osmotic salts solutions
suggest that the hypo-osmotic stress causes morphological changes in red cells that
alter their permeability to various ions leading to hemolysis. This probably occurs
through opening of volume sensitive channels.
KEY WORDS
hemolysis, morphological changes, red cells, salt solutions
Description
NEPAL O,1 RAO JP2
1Department of Physiology
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences Dhulikhel, Kavre
2Department of Physiology Kasturba Medical College Manipal – 576 104, India