Human Red Blood Cells: Prostaglandin E 2 , Epinephrine, and Isoproterenol Alter Deformability

Abstract

The human red blood cell responds to prostaglandin E₂, epinephrine, and isoproterenol with a decrease in deformability. The maximum decrease is brought about by 10^-10M prostaglandin E₂, 10^-9M epinephrine, or 10^-7M isoproterenol. The dose response curve is biphasic. The sensitivity of the red cell to prostaglandin suggests that this cell may be a primary target for prostaglandin action. These changes in response to vasoactive substances indicate that the red cell must be considered an active element in circulatory control.