Red cell filterability in diabetes.

A negative pressure red cell filteration technique using polycarbonate sieve (Nuclepore) was devised for the observation of red cell filterability (RCF) in diabetes. A significant increase of HbA1 was suggested to be closely correlated to the decrease of RCF. A greater decrease of RCF was observed in diabetics with advanced retinopathy. The increased 2,3-DPG of red cells has been observed in diabetes, but P50 changed much less than might be expected. Improved RCF was observed when Pentoxifylline was added into red cell suspensions. This suggests that Pentoxifylline will have a good effect on microcirculation where impared circulation is observed.