Red Blood Cells can Sense Low Oxygen Levels in the Brain

A study done at the University of Rochester Medical center has shown evidence that red blood cells can sense and monitor oxygen levels within the brain. Once the red blood cells pick up this sense they can spring into action and rush into brain. Researchers tested this out on mice by depleting the oxygen supply to the brain and recording the increase in the blood flow of the red blood cells through the capillaries. This finding emphasizes the importance and large effect that blood has on the brain. In all the results will also help shed light on how interferences with blood flow to the brain can cause brain disorders.

Above is artificial capillaries in which red blood cells are flowing through. The cells are able to squeeze through the capillary much faster when there is low levels of oxygen. When there is high levels of oxygen the cells stiffen and are not as flexible to flow through the capillaries as quickly.