Application of the Fröhlich theory to the modelling of rouleau formation in human erythrocytes

Abstract

The details of Frohlich's theory and some recent experiments on the rouleau formation of human erythrocytes which exhibit a strong interaction that appears to satisfy the prerequisites of the Frohlich theory, are summarized. To verify whether the Frohlich theory of long-range coherence in biological systems is applicable to the phenomenon of rouleau formation in human erythrocytes, the interactions between erythrocytes are modelled as those between two large, coupled oscillating dipoles. Relevant expressions for the resonant long-range and the van der Waals interaction are then derived. Using the available numerical data, the eigenfrequencies and the interaction energies corresponding to the experimental conditions are then derived. In the range of postulated frequencies (1011–1012 Hz) the effective interaction coefficient Ξ due to the resonant long-range forces is, indeed, found to agree with its experimental value of 3.0. However, the same value of Ξ can also be achieved through the ordinary van der Waals interactions between dipoles oscillating at lower frequencies. It is concluded that the resonant long-range interaction between erythrocytes may be responsible for the onset of rouleau formation. However, other mechanisms cannot be ruled out at this stage, especially since the Frohlich mechanism requires a number of unconfirmed preconditions.