The effect of gamma radiation on the ultrastructure of the cell membranes of red blood cells has been probed using a powerful tool, namely, atomic force microscopy. We used mice erythrocytes as a model. Blood samples withdrawn from mice were gamma-irradiated using a 60Co source unit with doses of 10,15,20,25 and 30 Gy. Structural changes appeared in the form of nanoscale potholes, depressions and alterations of the cell membrane roughness. The roughness of the cell membrane increased dramatically with increasing doses, although at 10 Gy , the cell membrane roughness was less than that of normal red blood cells (controls). Therefore, such modifications at the nano-scale level may affect the biophysical properties of membranes, resulting in impairment of their function.
Keywords: Atomic force microscopy; Erythrocytes; Gamma radiation; Nanostructure.