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Cell membrane damage by ultrasound at different cell concentrations
J W Ellwart1, H Brettel, L O Kober
1Gesellschaft für Strahlen- und Umweltforschung, München.
Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Ultrasound can damage human cell membranes, particularly at lower cell concentrations. Cell death from ultrasound is dependent on particle concentration, not cell size, in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Medical Ultrasound
Background:
- Ultrasound is widely used in medical diagnostics and therapy.
- Understanding its effects on biological tissues is crucial for safety and efficacy.
- Cell membrane integrity is vital for cell survival and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ultrasound on human nucleated cell membranes in vitro.
- To determine the concentration threshold for ultrasound-induced cell membrane damage.
- To explore the relationship between cell concentration, cell size, and ultrasound effects.
Main Methods:
- Human blood cells, leukemic cell line (Reh), and erythrocyte mixtures were exposed to continuous ultrasound (782 kHz, 15 W/cm2 SPTA).
- Cell membrane damage was assessed by ethidium bromide exclusion.
- Surviving nucleated cells were quantified using flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- No significant cell death was observed at high cell concentrations (e.g., whole blood).
- At concentrations below 5 x 10(7) cells/ml, granulocytes, lymphocytes, and Reh cells showed significant membrane damage.
- The critical concentration threshold for damage was independent of cell size.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound-induced cell membrane damage in vitro is concentration-dependent.
- Particle concentration, rather than cell size, is the key factor determining susceptibility to ultrasound damage.
- These findings have implications for ultrasound safety in biological applications.