[Application of laser interference microscopy (LIM) for investigating the features of UV(B)-irradiated mouse peritoneal macrophages].

ABSTRACT

The plasma membrane dose-dependent damage of UV(B)-irradiated mouse peritoneal macrophages was investigated using laser interference microscopy (LIM). LIM is a method which allows one to estimate morphological and functional parameters of a cell without dyeing or introduction of other substances which can affect the cell condition. This makes it possible to reduce and accelerate the procedure of counting the damaged cells as compared with the methods using different dyes. The value of optical path difference (OPD)--a variable proportional to the object thickness and the difference in the refractive indices of the object and the surrounding medium was used for estimation of the cell damage. Also compared was usability of LIM and microfluorimetry assay in investigations of the UV(B)-irradiated macrophage plasma membrane.