A Study of EA.hy926 Endothelial Cells Using Atomic Force and Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy

A two-section analytical chamber was developed and tested for study of EA.hy926 endothelial cells culture in real time with high resolution. It has been shown that the method of scanning ion-conductance microscopy yields relevant results, since it ensures the absence of mechanical effects on cells, and allows to scan endothelial cells on membranes that ensures that cells are surrounded by a nutrient medium. The method made it possible not only to visualize changes in the cell surface during long-term scanning, but also to detect extracellular (microfilaments) and intracellular (nucleolus) structures. The creating of a rigidity map allowed it to be estimated that the mean rigidity of endothelial cell membranes was in the range from 357 to 796 Pa. After 240 min from the start of observation, the endothelial cells began to produce apoptotic bodies, wherein the rigidity of the cells gradually increased and the rigidity of the apoptotic bodies decreased.