The spectrin matrix is a structural element of red blood cells (RBCs). As such, it affects RBC morphology, membrane deformability, nanostructure, stiffness, and, ultimately, the rheological properties of blood. However, little is known about how temperature affects the spectrin matrix. In this study, the nanostructure of the spectrin network was recorded by atomic force microscopy. We describe how the nanostructure of the RBC spectrin matrix changes from a regular network to a chaotic pattern following an increase in temperature from 20 to 50°C. At 20–37°С, the spectrin network formed a regular structure with dimensions of typically 150 ± 60 nm. At 42–43°С, 83% of the spectrin network assumed an irregular structure. Finally, at 49–50°С the chaotic pattern was observed, and no quantitative estimates of the spectrin structure's parameters could be made. These results can be useful for biophysical studies on the destruction of the spectrin network under pathological conditions, as well as for investigating cell morphology and blood rheology in different diseases.

中文翻译：

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响应体外温度变化的红细胞血影蛋白基质纳米结构的构象畸变

血影蛋白基质是红细胞 (RBC) 的结构元素。因此，它影响红细胞形态、膜变形性、纳米结构、刚度，并最终影响血液的流变学特性。然而，人们对温度如何影响血影蛋白矩阵知之甚少。在这项研究中，通过原子力显微镜记录了血影蛋白网络的纳米结构。我们描述了随着温度从 20°C 升高到 50°C，RBC 血影蛋白矩阵的纳米结构如何从规则网络变为混沌模式。在 20–37°С 时，血影蛋白网络形成了一个规则结构，尺寸通常为 150 ± 60 nm。在 42–43°С，83% 的血影网络呈现不规则结构。最后，在 49-50°С 观察到混沌模式，没有对血影结构的定量估计 s 参数可以制作。这些结果可用于病理条件下血影蛋白网络破坏的生物物理学研究，以及研究不同疾病中的细胞形态和血液流变学。