Abstract
Top of pageAbstract Looking for an in vitro membrane model for studies on membrane disorders, we examined BBM (which are homogenous biomembranes) by biophysical and biochemical means. BBM show a continuous increase in fluorescence anisotropy (measured with 7 fluorophores) in all depths of the outer leaflet of the lipid bilayer, i.e. a decrease in membrane fluidity. We determined simultaneously fluorescence anisotropy, the cholesterol/phospholipid molar ratio (C/P), and the distribution patterns of the major fatty acids of BBM during maturation. C/P continuously increased: newborns .90±.16, sucklings 1.05±.13, weaned 1.33±.16, juveniles 1.33±.30, adults 1.45±.15. This increase closely paralleled the increase in fluorescence anisotropy measured with diphenylhexatriene as fluorophore. The relative contents of the fatty acid 16:0 decreased, while 18:0 increased. The fatty acids 14:1, 16:1, and 18:1 decreased. Our data indicate an elongation of saturated fatty acids during maturation. They demonstrate the rigidifying effect of cholesterol and the fluidifying effect of certain unsaturated fatty acids known from artificial membranes to apply also to biomembranes.
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