Influence of myocardial infarction on membrane structure and hemorheological characteristics of erythrocytes

The changes in erythrocytes composition and hemorheological parameters are studied in myocardial infarction (MI) patients. The study shows that cholesterol, phospholipids and c/p ratio in erythrocytes are increased in MI patients when compared to that of normals. The individual phospholipid composition is also altered with increase of phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin in plasma, and phosphatidylcholine in erythrocytes. There is no significant change in protein composition except a significant change in sialic acid content of cell. The membrane enzymes such as Na+, K+ ATPase and Ca2+, Mg2+ ATPase are decreased and there is no change in cytosolic calmodulin stimulatory activity observed. Whole blood viscosity and osmotic fragility are increased. The deformability of erythrocytes is significantly decreased.