CHEMICALLY-INDUCED FUSION OF ERYTHROCYTE-MEMBRANES

This chapter describes the methods by which chemical agents may be used to induce the fusion of erythrocyte membranes. Erythrocytes do not normally fuse and their membrane structure is very well characterized and relatively simple. Thus, their chemically induced fusion serves as a useful experimental model for naturally occurring processes of membrane fusion. Some information on the mechanisms involved in chemically induced membrane fusion has come directly from the development of procedures that are described in this chapter. The chapter also discusses a variety of techniques, which are usefully applied in investigations on the mechanisms of erythrocyte fusion induced by chemicals, such as cell fusion by osmotic shock and in progressively diluted media. Exposure to a hypotonic medium of a monolayer of erythrocytes, on an Alcian blue-coated surface, results in cells lysis. If, however, steps are first taken to free the erythrocyte membrane from the restraining effects of the cytoskeleton, it is possible to achieve fusion by osmotic swelling. © 1993, Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.