Phase-contrast microscopic and scanning electron microscopic studies on the variability of the plasma-protein film of rat erythrocytes after whole-body irradiation with different doses

After special preparation and staining of bloodsmears the plasma-protein film of rat erythrocytes can be revealed as a marginal zone (breadth of 1.0 - 1.4 μm) of erythrocytes by phase-contrast microscopy and scanning electronmicroscopy, resp. If Wistar rats were exposed to a single whole-body irradiation of 0.10 Gy, alterations of the marginal zone and of the pallor area of erythrocytes were demonstrated 1 hour postirradiation. Possible reasons for the erythrocyte alterations are discussed. It seems to be a practicable method to register biological radiation effects after single low dose irradiation. (author)