Effects of choline on hemorheological properties and NO metabolism of human erythrocytes.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To determine the effects of choline on red blood cell membrane properties and NO metabolism. MATERIAL AND METHODS Aliquots of venous blood from eleven healthy subjects were incubated in vitro with choline concentrations 10(-10) to 10(-3) M. The following parameters were determined: erythrocyte deformability, aggregation and membrane lipid fluidity, plasma K+, Na+, Ca2+, total blood haemoglobin and methemoglobin concentrations. Additionally, plasma and intra-erythrocyte nitrites concentrations were measured. RESULTS Choline increases erythrocyte deformability at lower shear stresses, decreases erythrocyte aggregation, increases membrane lipid fluidity, and decreases of Na+ plasma concentrations. We also find an increase of nitrites concentration both in the plasma and in the intra-erythrocyte compartment. CONCLUSION Choline induces changes on erythrocyte membrane properties, Na+ plasma concentration, and NO metabolites concentrations.