Osmotic fragility of erythrocytes in thiamin deficient pigeons

ABSTRACT

Osmotic fragility of RBCs in NaCI solutions was studied for thiamine deficient [TD] and thiamine non - deficient [TND] pigeons. The data of both groups of animals respresented four distinct components; a, b, c and d in relation to extent of hemolysis. Osmotic fragility curve for RBCs in both groups showed 'S' shaped pattern. Although individual concentrations of NaCI in component C of TD group showed significant variations [p<0.05] for% hemolysis, no significant change could be obtained for any of the components. Component c of the TD group indicated slow rise compared to TND group showing comparatively less resistance for RBCs to hemolyse. In this connection, it can be suggested that thiamine deficiency probably produces RBC fragility response of altered extent and pattern for various concentrations of NaCl in fast rising component in present set of experiments