Abstract
Erythrocyte membranes from 11 healthy individuals and 11 alcoholic patients, examined within 24 hr of withdrawal, were studied for membrane fluidity as assessed by fluorescence polarization of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene and for the concentrations of sialic acid and galactose in the membrane surface. Basal fluorescence polarization was significantly higher in the alcoholics and the membranes were clearly more resistant to the fluidizing effect of ethanol added in vitro. The concentrations of sialic acid as well as galactose were significantly reduced in the patients. The increased resistance to the fluidizing effect of ethanol added in vitro appeared to be functionally related to reduced concentrations of terminal sialic acid and terminal and sialic acid-bound beta-galactose in the membrane surface. The increased basal rigidity is probably due to concomitant changes in the lipid bilayer of the membrane. The results also showed, for the first time, that similar perturbations of membrane fluidity occur in human alcoholics as have been found previously in chronically ethanol-treated animals.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
