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[Damage to macrophage membranes by exposure to middle-wave ultraviolet radiation]
S K Pirutin1, V B Turovetskiĭ, Iu B Kudriashov
1Lomonosov Moscow State University, Biology Faculty, Biophysical Department, Moscow, 119899 Russia. pirutin@aport.ru
Abstract:
An influence of middle-wave ultraviolet radiation (lambda max = 306 nm) on plasma membranes of mice peritoneal macrophages was studied by microfluorimetry analysis. It was found that a percentage of cells with damaged plasma membranes in the irradiated macrophage population reliably increased with the UVB dose starting with 6 J/cm2. Irradiation of cells with 4.2 J/cm2 UVR dose which does not cause evident damage to plasma membranes led to the latent damage which was detected by treatment with detergent digitonin (4.5 micrograms/ml).
Insights
Middle-wave ultraviolet radiation (UVB) damages mouse macrophages, increasing plasma membrane damage with higher doses. Even low UVB doses can cause latent cellular damage, detectable with digitonin.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Photobiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Macrophages play a crucial role in immune responses.
- Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure can impact cellular functions.
- Plasma membrane integrity is vital for cell viability and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of middle-wave ultraviolet radiation (UVB) on the plasma membranes of mouse peritoneal macrophages.
- To determine the dose-dependent relationship between UVB exposure and plasma membrane damage.
- To identify potential latent damage induced by UVB at sub-damaging levels.
Main Methods:
- Microfluorimetry analysis was employed to assess plasma membrane integrity.
- Mice peritoneal macrophages were exposed to varying doses of UVB radiation (lambda max = 306 nm).
- Post-irradiation, cells were treated with the detergent digitonin to detect latent damage.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in plasma membrane-damaged macrophages was observed with UVB doses of 6 J/cm2 and above.
- UVB irradiation at 4.2 J/cm2, a dose not causing evident damage, resulted in latent plasma membrane damage.
- This latent damage was successfully detected using digitonin treatment.
Conclusions:
- Middle-wave UVB radiation induces dose-dependent damage to macrophage plasma membranes.
- UVB exposure can lead to sub-lethal, latent plasma membrane damage that compromises cell function.
- These findings highlight the sensitivity of macrophage plasma membranes to UVB and the potential for subtle, yet significant, cellular alterations.