[Observation of the L929 cell membrane after infrasound exposure with atomic force microscope].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the changes of L929 cell membrane with atomic force microscope (AFM) after infrasound exposure and to explore the mechanisms of effect of infrasound on cell membrane.


METHODS
After primary culture, the L929 cells were exposed to infrasound with intensity output of 130 dB and frequency of 16 Hz 2 hours each day for 3 days. The subsequent changes in the membrane of the control cells and the cells exposed to the infrasound were determined by nano-scale scanning with AFM.


RESULTS
After infrasound exposure, the normal prominence of the membrane became short and the dent became shallow in the 7.5 microm x 7.5 microm and 4.0 microm x 4.0 microm photographs. The prominence appeared as cobblestones. The surface of the membrane became smooth.


CONCLUSIONS
The membrane structure of the L929 cells can be changed by infrasound exposure with intensity of 130 dB and frequency of 16 Hz. The change might be one of the characteristics of effect of infrasound on cell membrane.
Wang
Bing-shui
BS
Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
Chen
Jing-zao
JZ
Liu
Bin
B
Li
Ling
L
Yi
Nan
N
Liu
Jing
J
Zhang
Sa
S
D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051379:Mice; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D013016:Sound / Q000009:adverse effects*