Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 6, Issue 5 231-236, Copyright © 1987 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Ultrasonically activated gas-filled micropores release hemoglobin and antigens from human erythrocytes in vitro
D. L. Miller and B. J. Lamore
Antigen release from human type B red blood cells was investigated by
sensitive capillary-tube assay techniques after subjecting 3% suspensions
to a controlled form of ultrasonic cavitation. Cells were kept suspended
during the 1,000-sec exposures by an orbital motion of the sample chamber.
Several spatial peak intensities of continuous 1.7 MHz ultrasound were
applied to the samples which included gas-filled 4-microns diameter
micropores in hydrophobic membranes. Free hemoglobin, indicating hemolysis,
and free antigenic material, indicating solubilization of antigens, were
found in the supernates of suspensions exposed to 90 mW/cm2 or 180 mW/cm2,
respectively, or greater intensities. None of the free antigenic material
could be attributed to antigen loss by surviving cells. For these
conditions, the antigen release effect of ultrasound appears to be a
byproduct of cavitation-induced cell lysis.
