The red blood cells stack up like coins. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rouleaux
Rouleaux refers to the stacking of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in human blood. Rouleaux formation is enhanced in the presence of increased plasma proteins, leading to an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Multiple Myeloma
Rouleaux formation is the stacking of red blood cells like a roll of coins, often seen in conditions like multiple myeloma. True agglutination is the clumping of red blood cells due to antibody-antigen interaction, such as in blood typing reactions. The key difference is that rouleaux formation involves cells stacking on top of each other, whereas true agglutination involves cells clumping together.
Rouleaux formation occurs when red blood cells form rolls or stacks. If not due to an artifact, such as a result of not preparing the blood smear soon enough after placing the blood on the slide, it may be due to the presence of high concentrations of abnormal globulins or fibrinogen. This formation is found in multiple myeloma and macroglobulinemia.
When rouleaux formation is truly present, it is caused by an increase in cathodal proteins, such as immunoglobulins and fibrinogen.And the fibrinogen is not present in blood in vivo*This is not true. Fibrinogen is secreted by liver and is present in blood. The reason rouleaux do not form in vivo is that they only form under low shear stress conditions. With blood flow, the cross-sectional fluid velocity gradient in the blood vessel results in shear stress levels that exceed the threshold for rouleaux formation.
Rouleaux formation, the stacking of red blood cells (RBCs) resembling a stack of coins, is clinically significant as it often indicates underlying inflammatory processes or increased plasma proteins, such as immunoglobulins or fibrinogen. This phenomenon can be associated with conditions like multiple myeloma, infections, and chronic inflammatory diseases. It may also affect blood viscosity and circulation, potentially leading to complications in affected patients. Therefore, recognizing rouleaux formation can aid in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions.
Rouleaux formation occurs when red blood cells stick together in a stack, resembling a coin roll. This can be caused by increased levels of plasma proteins in the blood, such as fibrinogen or immunoglobulins, leading to decreased repulsion forces between cells. It is commonly seen in conditions like inflammation, infections, and certain cancers.
Preparation
Infrared spectroscopy cannot be used quantitatively. The sample preparation is also complex. It may be robust as the sample preparation may affect its results.
The recommended SDS sample buffer recipe for protein sample preparation typically includes Tris-HCl, SDS, glycerol, and -mercaptoethanol. This buffer helps denature proteins and provide a uniform charge for electrophoresis.
Sodium carbonate is added during the preparation of a sodium fusion tube to help create a more basic environment that promotes the formation of water-soluble compounds. This facilitates the extraction of certain metals or elements present in a sample through the formation of stable and soluble complexes. Additionally, sodium carbonate helps prevent the formation of unwanted side products during the fusion process.