Alterations in rheological properties and erythrocyte membrane proteins in cats with diabetes mellitus.

Many studies have shown that diabetes mellitus is associated with increased whole and blood viscosity and decreased erythrocyte deformability. It has been suggested that these abnormalities in blood rheology may play a causative role in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications. However, less is known about the content and quality of membrane proteins which may contribute to abnormalities in membrane dynamic and decreased erythrocyte deformability.

The effect of atorvastatin on hemorheological parameters in rabbits fed on a normal diet.

The effects of statins have been investigated mostly in hyperlipidemic states so far. We analysed blood cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin, fibrinogen and gammaglobulin levels, haematocrite, hemoglobin, erythrocyte, leukocyte and platelet counts, blood and plasma viscosity and erythrocyte rigidity in 12 rabbits fed on a normal diet (chow) which were given 1 mg/kg/day atorvastatin for 4 weeks. Compared to the baseline levels, erythrocyte rigidity (k=0.