Macromolecules May Inhibit Diffusion of Hemoglobin from Lysing Erythrocytes by Exclusion of Solvent

Abstract

An interpretation is provided for the phenomenon of macromolecule inhibition of hemoglobin release from hemolyzing erythrocytes. High concentrations of macromolecules, which are extensively hydrated, remove solvent volume accessible to the diffusing hemoglobin, thus retarding the diffusion. This explanation considerably alters previous interpretations of the mechanism of immune lysis of cells.