INVESTIGATION OF THE MORPHO-FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF HUMAN RED BLOOD CELLS UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF 7-DAY DRY IMMERSION
Morphobiochemistry of erythrocytes, erythropoiesis intensity (determined by iron metabolism and erythro-poietin content), lipids and phospholipids of erythrocyte plasmatic membrane and oxygen binding and release by hemoglobin were studied in normal male volunteers for 7-d dry immersion. Investigations were performed before the experiment, on the last day in immersion (d-7) and on days 7 and 15 of recovery. After 7-d dry immersion, the volunteers exhibited a trend towards changes in red blood morphology, erythropoiesis intensity, and erythrocyte metabolism. Seven-day simulation of microgravity alters significantly the oxygen-transporting function of erythrocytes. This is, probably, associated with shifts in the cell membrane evidenced by apparent changes in phospholipids fractions. These changes have no clinical significance as concluded from reestablishment of most of the parameters by day 15 of recovery. The broad variability of measured values is attributed to individual character of body response to the stresses of the expeciment.