A spin label study of the effect of chrysotile asbestos on erythrocyte membranes

Alterations in erythrocyte membranes caused by UICC B chrysotile asbestos fibres were studied in red cell ghosts using the spin label technique. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of two sulphydryl reactive spin labels and one fatty acid spin probe in erythrocyte ghosts showed membrane protein modifications but no changes in lipid fluidity caused by the haemolytic chrysotile asbestos fibres.