[Erythrocyte membrane permeability of Citellus undulatus during hibernation]

We have studied the influence of the erythrocyte hypothermic storage of long-tailed ground squirrels at various physiological states and white mongrel rats on the impairment of the barrier function of their membranes for ferricyanide. The membranes of sleeping and awakening ground squirrels demonstrate the highest stability (the structural integrity is sustained for 3-3,5 months), meanwhile rat blood erythrocytes maintain the barrier function only for 2 weeks. Beside structural and viscous changes in the erythrocyte membrane and the cytosol of hibernating ground squirrel an important role in maintaining barrier function under conditions of hypothermic storage is played by the content of animal blood plasma. Appearance of a non-typical EPR spin probe spectrum in some ground squirrel blood samples in non-equilibrium state of entering or arousing from hibernation has been observed.