Effects of oxpentifylline and cetiedil citrate on the filterability of valinomycin-dehydrated sickle cells

Valinomycin, a K⁺ ionophore, was used in vitro to induce loss of K⁺ and water from the erythrocytes of 20 patients with homozygous sickle cell anaemia. The resulting loss of filterability, through pores of 5 µm diameter, of these dehydrated sickle cells was significantly improved by the presence of oxpentifylline (1.0 and 10 µmol/l), cetiedil citrate (0.1 and 1.0 µmol/l), or the two drugs in combination (each at 0.1 and 1.0 µmol/l). Thus pharmacological concentrations of these drugs, which act by altering cation flux across erythrocyte membranes, can improve the hydration and deformability of sickle cells.