Background & Aims: The purpose of this study was to survey red blood cell distribution width after experimentally induced pulmonary embolism in rabbit. Due to oxygen transfer performance of red blood cells, the survey of their special forms and passable widths through the vessels in many diseases is vital. One of these diseases is pulmonary embolism in which red blood cell distribution width should be considered.

Materials & Methods: Twelve adult rabbits were selected and divided into two treatment and control groups with six rabbits in each. In treatment group, pulmonary embolism was experimentally induced by injection of autologous blood clots through right jugular vein. Pulmonary embolisms were confirmed by scintigraphy operations. At 0, 60 minutes, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after induced pulmonary embolism, blood samples were prepared by standard methods in groups and the red blood cell distribution widthwere measured. The technetium was milked from molybdenum- technetium generator and then added to macroaggregated albumin (MAA) kit. In all rabbits, 1.5 mCi of prepared ^99mTC–MAA was injected into the marginal ear vein. In control group, 1ml of normal saline was injected via the margin ear vein.

Results: In this study, increases of red blood cell distribution widths were observed in the first to third days but these widths returned to normal statue in the fourth day.

Conclusion:It seems that red blood cell distribution width changes could be a response to the reduce complications of pulmonary embolism. Therefore it is better to determine red blood cell distribution width in pulmonary embolism along with other measurements due to their specific function.

SOURCE: URMIA MED J 2016: 26(12): 1018 ISSN: 1027-3727