Effects of Pulsed Magnetic Field on the Flowing Red Blood Cells Using Microvascular Model

We have investigated quantitatively the effects of pulsed magnetic field (PMF) stimulus on the changes of blood flow, aggregation of red blood cells (RBCs), and oxidative stress on RBCs in the micro-channel of
$15~\mu \text{m}$
in diameter, in order to understand rheological properties of RBC in the microcirculation system. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate analysis was applied to see the effect of PMF on RBCs aggregation. RBCs disaggregated after PMF stimulus were sedimented slowly compared to that before PMF. It is also observed that after PMF stimulus, aggregation of RBCs is almost loosened, and the velocity of RBCs is fast in the microvascular model. Changes in blood flow and deformation of RBCs were examined after inducing oxidative stress to the erythrocyte membrane in order to see how the magnetic field affects the oxygen transport capacity of RBCs. From our results, PMF stimulus is proposed to achieve improvement of RBCs aggregation, increase of blood velocity, and preventing RBCs from oxidative stress.