STABILITY OF HUMAN RED CELL SUSPENSIONS AT 300,000 × G

Abstract

Ultracentrifugation of suspensions of human red cells at 60,000 RPM (≈ 300,000 × G) for 10 minutes does not destabilize the suspension and causes no hemolysis of cells suspended in 50% plasma and only a trace of hemolysis of cells suspended in saline water. By differentiation of the energy balance (DLVO) diagram of human red cells, a force vs. distance diagram is obtained, by means of which it can be demonstrated that whilst the applied gravitational force brings the cells much closer together, it cannot overcome the intercellular electrostatic repulsion. By using anti-Rh (D) bloodgroup antibodies of the IgG-class (which have a maximum “reach” of ≈ 120Å) as a yardstick, the force vs. distance diagram can serve to elucidate why red cells can be crosslinked by such blood group antibodies at 15,000 × G, but not at 3,750 × G.