Freeze-fracture electron microscopy of human red blood cells at pH 7.4 and 5.5 reveals the presence of membrane elevations (50-100 nm diameter). These are also observed after incubation of the erythrocytes with N-ethylmaleimide but not after incubation with p-chloromercuribenzene sulphonate. Neither of the sulphydryl-group reagents affects the distribution or size of intramembrane particles. The findings are discussed in the light of the effects of mercurials on erythrocyte membrane proteins.
Erythrocyte Membrane Freeze Fracturing