Asta Medica, Aktiengesellschaft

Hermann-August Henrich

Heinz Ulrich

Wolfgang Geise

Frank Conrad

A method of improving the properties of liquid stored or cryogenically stored erythrocytes using D,L-.alpha.-lipoic acid and/or enantiomers or derivatives thereof. Treatment with these substances results in improved oxygen release capacity (2,3-DPG), viscoelasticity and erythrocyte aggregability, and increased resistance to membrane peroxidation during storage and damage by the freeze/thaw process.

Method of increasing viability of stored erythrocytes by addition of

The invention relates to the use of DL-(+/-)-.alpha. lipoic acid, D-(+)-.alpha.-lipoic acid, L-(-)-.alpha.-lipoic acid in reduced or oxidized form or of the metabolites and salts, esters, amides thereof for the preparation of medicines for the treatment of disorders caused by changes or disturbances in the rheological properties of the blood such as blood viscosity, erythrocyte flexibility and the aggregation of erythrocytes, in particular for the treatment of microangiopathy with disturbed microcirculation. It can also be used in the treatment of diabetics and of dialysis patients for protection of the erythrocytes, in central and peripheral circulatory disturbances and in tinnitus and hearing loss.

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Wurzburg, Germany

Hermann-August Henrich