New aspects of cell membrane radiobiology and their impact on radiation protection.

Recent developments in the field of the membrane biology of eukaryotic cells have revived relevant radiobiological studies. The supramolecular structures of membranes built up by the various chemical components that ensure certain functions and connections of the cells seem to react sensitively to ionizing radiations. Data concerning those radiation-induced alterations that reflect changes of such features and functions as surface charges, membrane-bound enzyme activities and receptor functions are reviewed. As the new concepts arising from the results obtained so far may have consequences in the theory and practice of radiation protection, a few areas are mentioned where the impact of the relevant accumulated knowledge might be expected to result in practical applications.