ERYTHROCYTE DEFORMABILITY AND ITS ROLE IN MICROCIRCULATION

Abstract

This article examines erythrocyte deformability—the ability of red blood cells to change their shape—and its fundamental importance in the process of microcirculation. The study analyzes molecular factors affecting erythrocyte flexibility, particularly the role of membrane proteins and intracellular viscosity. Using ektacytometry and microfiltration methods, blood samples from healthy individuals and patients with various pathologies (such as diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension) were comparatively studied. The results indicate that reduced erythrocyte deformability increases blood viscosity, leading to tissue hypoxia and microvascular complications. The article concludes with findings on the clinical significance of improving erythrocyte rheological properties. Keywords: erythrocyte deformability, microcirculation, hemorheology, capillary flow, ektacytometry, viscosity, membrane elasticity, hypoxia