Ultrasonically activated gas-filled micropores release hemoglobin and antigens from human erythrocytes in vitro.
Antigen release from human type B red blood cells was investigated by sensitive capillary-tube assay techniques after subjecting 3% suspensions to a controlled form of ultrasonic cavitation. Cells were kept suspended during the 1,000-sec exposures by an orbital motion of the sample chamber. Several spatial peak intensities of continuous 1.7 MHz ultrasound were applied to the samples which included gas-filled 4-microns diameter micropores in hydrophobic membranes. Free hemoglobin, indicating hemolysis, and free antigenic material, indicating solubilization of antigens, were found in the supernates of suspensions exposed to 90 mW/cm2 or 180 mW/cm2, respectively, or greater intensities. None of the free antigenic material could be attributed to antigen loss by surviving cells. For these conditions, the antigen release effect of ultrasound appears to be a byproduct of cavitation-induced cell lysis.
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000276:immunology; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005740:Gases; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006461:Hemolysis; D006801:Humans; D007519:Isoantigens; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D014465:Ultrasonics
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D005740:Gases; D006454:Hemoglobins; D007519:Isoantigens; D008567:Membranes, Artificial