Leukocyte filterability and hypoxia

Filtration of blood cells through 3 μm and 5 μm Nuclepore membranes has been studied under air and nitrogen. Experimental hypoxia had no effect on the morphological appearance of leukocytes nor their filterability through the 5 μm pores. However the combination of hypoxia and attempted filtration through 3 μm pores caused extensive morphological changes in leukocytes that was characterized by significant pore blocking during filtration. Hence hypoxia alone does not stimulate morphological changes in leukocytes but the combination of hypoxia and slow deformation through narrow pores may well lead to activation of leukocytes in vivo with trapping of red cells and extensive pore blocking.