By using a combination of experimental neutron scattering techniques, it is possible to obtain a statistical perspective on red blood cell (RBC) shape in suspensions, and the inter-relationship with protein interactions and dynamics inside the confinement of the cell membrane. In this study, we examined the ultrastructure of RBC and protein–protein interactions of haemoglobin (Hb) in them using ultra-small-angle neutron scattering and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). In addition, we used the neutron backscattering method to access Hb motion on the ns time scale and Å length scale. Quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) experiments were performed to measure diffusive motion of Hb in RBCs and in an RBC lysate. By using QENS, we probed both internal Hb dynamics and global protein diffusion, on the accessible time scale and length scale by QENS. Shape changes of RBCs and variation of intracellular Hb concentration were induced by addition of the Na⁺-selective ionophore monensin and the K⁺-selective one, valinomycin. The experimental SANS and QENS results are discussed within the framework of crowded protein solutions, where free motion of Hb is obstructed by mutual interactions.

通过结合使用实验中子散射技术，可以获得有关悬浮液中红细胞（RBC）形状以及细胞膜范围内与蛋白质相互作用和动力学的相互关系的统计数据。在这项研究中，我们使用超小角中子散射和小角中子散射（SANS）研究了RBC的超微结构和血红蛋白（Hb）的蛋白质-蛋白质相互作用。另外，我们使用中子反向散射方法在ns时间尺度和Å长度尺度上访问Hb运动。进行了准弹性中子散射（QENS）实验，以测量Hb在RBCs和RBC裂解物中的扩散运动。通过使用QENS，我们在QENS可以访问的时间尺度和长度尺度上研究了内部Hb动力学和整体蛋白扩散。⁺ -选择性离子载体莫能菌素和K个⁺ -选择性之一，缬氨霉素。在拥挤的蛋白质溶液的框架内讨论了SANS和QENS的实验结果，其中Hb的自由运动被相互的相互作用所阻碍。