Cell membrane destabilizes progressively during repetitive mechanical rupture events.
The postfusion oscillation cycle method of electrofused cells was applied to red blood cell membranes to induce repetitive membrane ruptures and test the mechanical membrane resistance against sequential events of membrane strain and rupture. After producing doublets from pairs of electrofused cells, they entered the oscillation cycle, providing a sequence of at least four consecutive colloidosmotic-driven rupture events. Different gradations of colloidosmotic pressure loads between 3230 Pa and 8640 Pa were established with various buffer types. The independence of buffer type and geometrical and mechanical observations has been verified independently for both parts of the oscillation sequence. With decreasing colloidosmotic inducement, caused by repetitive oscillation cycles, an increasing susceptibility of the cell membrane against membrane rupture was measurable. Since side-effects had been eliminated, it could be concluded that the cell membrane resistance against repetitive mechanical ruptures decreases.
Baumann
Martin
M
Institut für Physiologie der RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52057, Germany. mbaumann@physiology.rwth-aachen.de
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002021:Buffers; D003102:Colloids; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000502:physiology*; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008561:Membrane Fusion / Q000502:physiology; D009997:Osmotic Pressure; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D012421:Rupture
D002021:Buffers; D003102:Colloids; D006454:Hemoglobins