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Microcirculation Factor: Blood Cell Deformability
An important determinant of the resistance to blood flow is blood cell deformability. Many diseases result in abnormal blood cell properties, such as sickle cell disease. Stiffer than normal cells may become trapped at the entrance to capillaries and obstruct flow, thereby reducing delivery of oxygen to tissue.
Cell deformability determines which capillaries will be perfused. Smaller diameter capillaries require greater deformations of red cells and white cells in order for them to enter a capillary.
PLASMA
A bolus of fluorescently labeled plasma (A) easily passes through all capillaries in the cremaster muscle capillary network.
RED BLOOD CELLS
In contrast, fluorescently labeled RBCs (B) are confined to the central portion of the network.
LEUKOCYTES
The much stiffer leukocytes (C) travel from arteriole to venule through larger diameter vessels that comprise thoroughfare channels that run through the central portions of the capillary bed where the pressure gradients from arteriole to venule are the largest.
