[Factors of avian erythrocyte fusion: changes in the state of plasma membrane induced by dimethylsulfoxide and temperature].

Chicken erythrocytes cooled down to +2 degrees were incubated with 39% dimethysulfoxide (Me2SO) at 37 degrees, eventually resulting in a hemoglobin release. Incubation of erythrocytes with Me2SO at +2 degrees was also accompanied by hemoglobin release; the effect of Me2SO under these conditions was enhanced by Ca2+. Hypertonic concentrations of NaCl and sucrose suppressed this effect upon erythrocyte cooling. At the same time in the absence of Me2SO the level of cold hemolysis of erythrocytes increased as the tonicity of the medium rose. In this case low concentrations of Me2SO (8-15%) exerted a protective effect. The mechanisms of action of Me2SO and temperature on the structure of erythrocyte membrane are discussed.