Local RBC aggregation disturbing blood fluidity and causing stasis in microvessels.

Experiments in rat mesenterium were carried out under conditions when both pressure gradient in the chosen microvessels and their diameters were preserved constant. All details of the hemorheological events were directly visualized and documented by usage of appropriate microscopic video techniques. Intensified RBC aggregation locally produced in individual capillaries, immediately disturbs the normal blood flow structure inside their lumina and deranges the rheological properties of blood flow in the microvessels, which slows down till a full stop. The RBC aggregates gradually grow up due to addition of new cells, which become compressed and appear homogeneous. This usually interferes with restoration of blood flow in capillaries. Further the RBC aggregates can move slowly towards veins, while the flow accelerates immediately as soon as the aggregates reach the larger venules.