Spin labeling studies of membrane proteins in erythrocyte ghosts from patients with Huntington's disease

Abstract

Previous electron spin resonance (ESR) studies employing a protein-specific spin label have suggested an alteration in membrane proteins in erythrocytes in Huntington's disease (HD). Recently, Beverstock and Pearson [4] have published the results of an ESR study not confirming our findings. In the present communication, we show that with correct use of the statistical technique of the Dixon test to determine if extreme values can be eliminated, one of the data points of these authors can be rejected. Recalculation of their results suggests a significant difference in the physical state of membrane proteins in HD erythrocytes, confirming our findings.