Spin label study of erythrocyte membrane submitted to a bending stress

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Bitbol, M. | Leterrier, F.

Affiliations: Division de Biophysique du Centre de Recherches, du Service de Santé des Armées F. 92141 Clamart.

Note: [] Accepted by: Editor D. Quemada

Abstract: Red blood cells were submitted to a bending stress by incubation in hyperosmolar media and their membrane molecular structure studied by a fatty acid paramagnetic label which probes its hydrophobic part. Measurement of the apparent rotation frequency of the label, and numerical analysis of the spectrum shapes indicate that a high fluidity phase appears in the stressed membrane. The physiological implications of this finding are discussed in the light of the rheological properties of the circulating red blood cell.

Keywords: Erythrocyte membrane, spin label, mechanical stress

DOI: 10.3233/BIR-1982-19402

Journal: Biorheology, vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 495-506, 1982