ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY OF ERYTHROCYTES EXPOSED TO PHYSIOLOGICAL CONCENTRATIONS OF CADMIUM AND LEAD

摘要

Low levels of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium naturally occur in soil and groundwater. However, anthropogenic activity, for example mining, transport and industry, has an effect on the natural levels, increasing them significantly. Both cadmium and lead are non- essential metals, with no biological function and are also a health hazard to humans, even at low concentrations. Cadmium and lead are absorbed into the bloodstream, transported to the rest of the body where cadmium can cause damage to the lungs, liver, kidneys and placenta, and lead can damage almost all organs and most importantly, the central nervous system. Lead and cadmium also associate with erythrocytes, influencing the haematological system. Incorporation into erythrocytes of either one of these metals can cause alterations to numerous molecules, leading to changes in the function and ultrastructure of the cell and its membrane. In previous atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies, surface roughness has been identified as an independent morphological parameter to study the erythrocyte's cell and membrane ultrastructure and functional status.