Effects of Cryoprotective Substances on Mechanical Stability and Geometrical Parameters of Human Erythrocytes
The aim of the study was to examine effects of sucrose, dextran, polyethylene glycol, glycerol and mannitol, having cryoprotective properties of various manifestation degrees, on the mechanical stability and the geometrical parameters of human erythrocytes. All substances, except mannitol, contributed to a decrease in hemolysis, caused by the movement of small beads. Glycerol and polyethylene glycol, providing the highest level of protection of erythrocytes during cryopreservation also showed the maximum efficiency under mechanical stress. Changes in cell resistance may be associated with the transformation of their geometrical parameters. According to the data from cytometry, 5% solutions of all the substances, except mannitol, caused similar changes in the cell geometric parameters. Implementation of the relationship between changes in the mechanical stability and the geometrical parameters of erythrocytes under the influence of cryoprotective agents may be due to modification of the membrane-cytoskeleton protein complex that controls mechano-elastic properties and morphology of erythrocytes.