D.V. Uskalova, M.M. Baranova, E.I. Sarapultseva, Yu.V. Igolkina

The computer morphometry method has been developed. It is based on the fasciation of species, identifying and analysis of external morphological changes in ciliates. As a species we choose unicellular protozoa ciliates Spirostomum ambiguum. We used the USB-camera MYscope 300M, mounted on the eyepiece of the microscope MBS-10 and connected to the PC Pentium IV. Was performed the software package morphometry «Image-Pro 3,5» for processing and analysis of the results. Unlike the assessment of motor activity, which is determined by only one parameter - physiological activity, this method allows to quantitatively assessing the state of protozoa on several criteria. Furthermore, the use of computer technology is much automated analysis of biological effects. It will reduce the likelihood of random errors when viewed under a microscope for changes of motor activity of protozoa. It reduced complexity and time of the study. The ciliates Sp. ambiguum were located an hour in a low-intensity radiofrequency field with energy flux density 50 mW/cm2. We observed the about 13-fold increase in ratio of minimum and maximum diameters (Aspect) and perimeter (Perimeter), the about 21-fold reduction in ciliates body length (Diametr (max) and the about 13-fold reduction of deviation from the circle (Roundness). The body length in normal is 1-3 mm and the thickness of the body is 0.1-0.3 mm). Thus, the computer morphometry method improved the efficiency of research on ciliates and extends the range of informative quantitative indicators to study the biological effects of electromagnetic radiation.