Structural Modification of Human Erythrocyte Membranes Following Gamma-irradiation

Abstract

Structural damage to isolated erythrocyte membranes (ghosts) was studied following .gamma.-irradiation under a variety of conditions. For this 2 fluorescent probes were used; 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonate probed the lipid-aqueous interface and diphenylhexatriene was used to probe the membrane fluidity. Irradiation of the membranes caused a decrease in fluorescent intensity of the added probes and changes in polarization of fluorescence. O2 enhanced the radiation damage. Scavenger experiments showed the OH radical was the major radical species involved. The structural modifications are apparently due to preliminary chemical damage involving peroxidation of unsaturated lipids. Sensitization and protection was observed in the presence of known dose-modifying chemicals.