Desaggregation of human red blood cells by various surface-active agents as related to changes of cell shape and hemolysis.

The effect of several surface-active substances (Na-oleate, Na-desoxycholate, Triton X 100, Pluronic F 38, Pluronic F 68, Pluronic F 108) on dextran-induced red cell aggregation (RCA) and red cell shape was investigated. Sedimentation measurements and photometric determinations of RCA indicated a desaggregating effect of oleate, Triton, F 38 and F 68. Shape changes were found in the presence of oleate and desoxycholate (crenation) and Triton (cup formation); in addition, these substances induced pronounced hemolysis. No hemolysis and no shape changes were found with any of the Pluronic polyols.