Thermal transition in the human erythrocyte membrane: effect on elasticity

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Rakow, Allen L. | Hochmuth, Robert M.

Affiliations: Department of Chemical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130

Abstract: Whole cells heated to 48.8°C for 2 min and then cooled to 25°C are less elastic than control cells maintained at 25°C. Cells heated to 47°C for the same time period and then cooled to 25°C have the same elasticity as the control. ATP levels of both heated and control cells are identical. The rate of cooling has no effect on elasticity indicating the occurrence of an irreversible membrane protein denaturation since membrane lipids and hemoglobin are reported not to undergo phase transition at these temperatures.

DOI: 10.3233/BIR-1975-12101

Journal: Biorheology, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 1-3, 1975