Atomic force microscopy observation of peroxynitrite-induced erythrocyte cytoskeleton reorganization

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to study surface layers of fixed intact erythrocytes. Advantages of simultaneous analysis of surface topography and lateral force maps in the investigation of cytoskeleton structure were shown. Fractal analysis was applied to the lateral force maps of erythrocyte surfaces to evaluate the complexity of the cytoskeleton. Peroxynitrite was used as an oxidant to induce changes in the cytoskeleton structure of intact erythrocytes. Peroxynitrite action on whole blood leads to local abnormalities in the erythrocyte cytoskeleton structure, as well as cytoskeleton reorganization in protruded regions of crenated erythrocytes.