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My $0.02 on the subject of high ppN2 and rigid membranes.
Nitrogen, existing as a dimeric molecule (N2), is more soluble in the
hydrophobic environment of the membrane bilayer. One of the reasons
for this is due to the larger induced dipole for nitrogen than exists
for the noble gas helium, which is monomeric (He). A large amount of
nitrogen in the membrane bilayer will interfere with free movement of
the lipid molecules in this bilayer. This in turn will lead to
greater rigidity of the membrane and hence the inability of the RBCs
to pass through the microcirculation without being damaged.
It should also be remembered that this process is assisted by the fact
that the nitrogen molecule is of a larger physical size than the
helium atom, and hence the greater diffusability of the helium
throught the membranes as compared to the nitrogen.
It would be of interest to me if anyone is able to comment on the
orientation of the nitrogen molecules within the bilayer. It should
be possible to look at this using Langmuir-Bloggett films and
polarized light?
Apologies if this occupies unnecessary bandwidth...
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