ALTERATIONS IN ERYTHROCYTE BAND-3 ORGANIZATION INDUCED BY THE PHOTOSENSITIZER, HEMATOPORPHYRIN DERIVATIVE

Photosensitization of erythrocytes in the presence of hematoporphyrin derivative causes cross-linking of membrane proteins. This cross-linki ng is associated with partial lysis of the cells and an increased susc eptibility to heat-induced membrane fragmentation. The effect of photo sensitization on the organization of erythrocyte band 3 was monitored using the technique of time-resolved phosphorescence anisotropy. Band 3 rotational diffusion was somewhat restricted upon photooxidation, in dicating aggregation of this major integral membrane protein.