Fragility of red cells during exercise is affected by blood pH and temperature.

The study investigates the impact of blood pH and temperature on the fragility of red blood cells in horses during exercise. The research demonstrated a significant correlation between these variables and also identified related shifts in physiological responses during the exercise.

Relationship between Red Blood Cell Fragility and Physiological Variables

The researchers observed the correlation of osmotic fragility of erythrocytes (a measure of red blood cell vulnerability) with certain physiological variables in horses. During the experiment, horses were made to exercise at varying intensities and durations. The measure used here for erythrocyte fragility was the red cell haemolysis rates (HLR) in a saline solution.

• The results showed significant correlations between the fragility of red blood cells and the blood’s pH level as well as its temperature. That is, variations in these factors were closely linked to changes in the HLR.
• However, other physiological variables such as the heart rate and packed cell volume were found to have lower correlation coefficients with HLR, indicating a less pronounced effect.

Factors Affecting Red Blood Cell Fragility

The conclusions of the study provide insight into how red blood cell fragility in horses is affected by physiological conditions during exercise.

• The research suggests that the increase in blood flow and subsequent release of erythrocytes from the spleen into circulating blood during exercise doesn’t significantly affect their fragility.
• A decrease in blood pH during exercise is associated with an increase in red blood cell fragility. This means that slightly more acidic blood conditions as occur during strenuous exercise can cause these cells to become more vulnerable.
• Conversely, an increase in blood pH, making it more alkaline, results in greater osmotic resistance in red cells hence reducing their fragility.
• An increase in blood temperature seems to be linked to a decrease in red blood cell fragility, suggesting that the cells become less vulnerable as the body temperature rises during exercise.

Importance of Findings

Findings from this study significantly contribute to the understanding of physiological responses during exercise, specifically concerning the adaptability of red blood cells. This knowledge could be used to manage training regimes for animals like horses, for maintaining their health during physically demanding periods.