Improvement of red blood cell deformability by a new anti-plalelet agent,MCI-9042

Abstract

We investigated the effect of a new antiplatelet agent, MCI-9042 ((±)-2-(dimethylamino)-1-[[o-(m-methoxyphenethyl)phenoxy]methyl]ethyl hydrogen succinate) on the deformability of red blood cells (RBC deformability). In the ftltration tests with whole blood and washed red blood cell suspension through Nuclepore ftlter, MCI-9042 improved filterabilities. Furthermore, MCI-9042 inhibited shear stressinduced hemolysis in turbulent flow. These results in the three assessment systems on RBC deform ability indicate that MCI-9042 exhibits an improving effect on the deform ability of red blood cells and the efficacy of MCI-9042 is more potent than that of pentoxifylline. From the studies on the mode of action of MCI-9042 on RBC deform ability, we found that this compound reduced the membrane microviscosity of red blood cells. It is therefore considered that MCI-9042 directly affects the membrane of red blood cells reducing their membrane microviscosity and consequently improves RBC deform ability.