Abstract
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.