Research from University of Calcutta Broadens Understanding of Blood Cells.

In this recently published study, investigators in Calcutta, India conducted a study "To assess the effect of medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA)-rich mustard oil and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-rich mustard oil on erythrocyte membrane composition and osmotic fragility in normal and hypercholesterolemic rats. Membrane composition was analyzed using standard kits."

"Osmotic fragility was determined using method described by Dacie and Lewis. Fatty acid composition of membrane was analyzed using gas chromatographic methods. Membrane shape analysis was performed using scanning electron microscope. Osmotic fragility data suggested that the erythrocyte membrane of …