Changes in surface morphology of rat thymocytes accompanying interphase death.

Abstract

Radiation-induced changes in the surface morphology of rat thymocytes in suspension were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Viable (erythrosin B unstainable) cells were generally rounded with their surface exhibiting undulations of short microvilli. Exposing the cell suspension to 1 kR X-rays and 4 h incubation at 37.degree. C caused disappearance of microvilli. Association of dead (erythrosin B stainable) thymocytes with smooth, occasionally porous, surface without any digitations was confirmed by the examination of enriched dead cell populations.