A new method for studying the deformability of isolated erythrocyte membranes

The development of a new system for measuring the deformability of isolated erythrocyte membranes is described. This system, which uses ektacytometry of resealed erythrocyte membranes, enables one to directly measure membrane properties in the absence of internal viscosity effects. Preliminary observations have indicated that cross-linking membrane proteins gave rise to reduced membrane deformability.