Microwave waveguide-based dielectrometry for the monitoring erythrocytes' beta-receptors activity

In the present work we propose a new integrated approach to characterization of cellular reactivity using human erythrocytes in health and disease. We have applied two methods - microwave waveguide-based dielectrometry (39.5 GHz) and osmotic fragility technique based on photometry - to monitor receptor-specific response of blood cells caused by the beta-blocker exposure. Our results showed that dielectric response of erythrocytes depends on the physiological state of blood donors that is in good agreement with the degree of their beta-receptors activity (beta-ARM index). We found that drug-induced changes in complex permittivity and the values of beta-ARM index are inversely related. The proposed approach is intended to supplement current cellular analysis used for healthcare, which will allow obtaining more information about health status of the patients at the cellular level.