[Surface architectonics and cytoskeleton state of different age rats' thymocytes exposed to peroxynitrite]

To reveal the role of aging in the changes of immune system cells response to proinflammatory (oxidizing) agent we have studied peroxynitrite (30 microM) influence on the cell surface layer structure of different age rats' thymocytes. In the absence of proinflammatory agent, there were no significant changes in morphological and topological parameters of thymocytes from the rats at 3 and 8 months of age. According to atomic force microscopy data, peroxynitrite stimulates actin cytoskeleton structures assembly in thymocytes from 3-month rats but inhibits it in cells from 8-month rats. Obtained results make clear the difference between the immune system responses in inflammatory processes of young and old organisms.