Human erythrocyte membranes are fluid down to −5°C

Abstract

This first observation of the deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance ( 2H-NMR) spectrum of phospholipid molecules incorporated into intact human erythrocyte ghosts shows that the liquid crystalline phase is stable down to a temperature of −5°C. The quality of the 3H-NMR spectra indicate that it is now possible to carry out clinical studies of erythrocyte membranes using the techniques employed in this study.