Synaptosomal Plasma Membrane Vesicles Research Articles

Decreasing Effect of Lidocaine·HCl on the Thickness of the Neuronal and Model Membrane

This study examined the mechanism of action of a local anesthetic, lidocaine·HCl. Energy transfer between the surface fluorescent probe, 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid, and the hydrophobic fluorescent probe, 1,3-di(1-pyrenyl) propane, was used to determine the effect of lidocaine·HCl on the thickness (D) of the synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (SPMV) isolated from the bovine cerebral cortex, and liposomes of the total lipids (SPMVTL) and phospholipids (SPMVPL) extracted from the SPMV. The thickness (D) of the intact SPMV, SPMVTL and SPMVPL were 1.044±0.008, 0.914±0.005 and 0.890±0.003 (arbitrary units, n=5) at 37℃ (pH 7.4), respectively. Lidocaine·HCl decreased the thickness of the neuronal and model membrane lipid bilayers in a dose-dependent manner with a significant decrease in the thickness, even at 0.1 mM. The decreasing effect of lidocaine·HCl on the membrane thickness might be responsible for some, but not all of its anesthetic action.

The Effect of Lidocaine · HCl on the Fluidity of Native and Model Membrane Lipid Bilayers

The purpose of this study is to investigated the mechanism of pharmacological action of local anesthetic and provide the basic information about the development of new effective local anesthetics. Fluorescent probe techniques were used to evaluate the effect of lidocaine·HCl on the physical properties (transbilayer asymmetric lateral and rotational mobility, annular lipid fluidity and protein distribution) of synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (SPMV) isolated from bovine cerebral cortex, and liposomes of total lipids (SPMVTL) and phospholipids (SPMVPL) extracted from the SPMV. An experimental procedure was used based on selective quenching of 1,3-di(1-pyrenyl)propane (Py-3-Py) and 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) by trinitrophenyl groups, and radiationless energy transfer from the tryptophans of membrane proteins to Py-3-Py. Lidocaine·HCl increased the bulk lateral and rotational mobility of neuronal and model membrane lipid bilayes, and had a greater fluidizing effect on the inner monolayer than the outer monolayer. Lidocaine·HCl increased annular lipid fluidity in SPMV lipid bilayers. It also caused membrane proteins to cluster. The most important finding of this study is that there is far greater increase in annular lipid fluidity than that in lateral and rotational mobilities by lidocaine·HCl. Lidocaine·HCl alters the stereo or dynamics of the proteins in the lipid bilayers by combining with lipids, especially with the annular lipids. In conclusion, the present data suggest that lidocaine, in addition to its direct interaction with proteins, concurrently interacts with membrane lipids, fluidizing the membrane, and thus inducing conformational changes of proteins known to be intimately associated with membrane lipid.

The Effect of Methanol on the Structural Parameters of Neuronal Membrane Lipid Bilayers

The structures of the intact synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (SPMVs) isolated from bovine cerebral cortexs, and the outer and the inner monolayer separately, were evaluated with 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) and 1,3-di(1-pyrenyl)propane (Py-3-Py) as fluorescent reporters and trinitrophenyl groups as quenching agents. The methanol increased bulk rotational and lateral mobilities of SPMVs lipid bilayers. The methanol increased the rotational and lateral mobilities of the outer monolayers more than of the inner monolayers. n-(9-Anthroyloxy)stearic acid (n-AS) were used to evaluate the effect of the methanol on the rotational mobility at the 16, 12, 9, 6, and 2 position of aliphatic chains present in phospholipids of the SPMVs outer monolayers. The methanol decreased the anisotropy of the 16-(9-anthroyloxy)palmitic acid (16-AP), 12-(9-anthroyloxy)stearic acid (12-AS), 9-(9-anthroyloxy)stearic acid (9-AS), and 6-(9-anthroyloxy)stearic acid (6-AS) in the SPMVs outer monolayer but it increased the anisotropy of 2-(9-anthroyloxy)stearic acid (2-AS) in the monolayers. The magnitude of the increased rotational mobility by the methanol was in the order at the position of 16, 12, 9, and 6 of aliphatic chains in phospholipids of the outer monolayers. Furthermore, the methanol increased annular lipid fluidity and also caused membrane proteins to cluster. The important finding is that was far greater increase by methanol in annular lipid fluidity than increase in lateral and rotational mobilities by the methanol. Methanol alters the stereo or dynamics of the proteins in the lipid bilayers by combining with lipids, especially with the annular lipids. In conclusion, the present data suggest that methanol, in additions to its direct interaction with proteins, concurrently interacts with membrane lipids, fluidizing the membrane, and thus inducing conformational changes of proteins known to be intimately associated with membranes lipids.

The Effect of Lidocaine·HCL on the Physical Properties of Liposomes of Total Lipid and Phospholipids Extracted From Neuronal Membranes

Fluorescent probe techniques were used to evaluate effect of lidocaine·HCl on physical properties (asymmetric lateral and rotational mobilities, membrane thickness) of liposomes of total lipid(SPMVTL) and phospholipids(SPMVPL) extracted from synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles(SPMV). An experimental procedure was used based on selective quenching of 1,3-di(1-pyrenyl)propane(Py-3-Py), 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene(DPH) by trinitrophenyl groups. Membrane thickness was measured by using energy transfer between the surface fluorescent probe 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid(ANS) and hydrophobic fluorescent probe Py-3-Py. Lidocaine·HCl increased bulk lateral and rotational mobilities, and had a greater fluidizing effect on the inner than outer monolayer of liposome. Thickness of SPMVTL, SPMVPL lipid bilayer have been decreased by lidocaine·HCl, which means that membranes have been expanded. The sensitivities to increasing effect of lateral and rotational mobilities of liposomal lipid bilayer by local anesthetic differed depending on the native and model membranes in the descending order of SPMV, SPMVPL and SPMVTL. These effects are not only due to the influence of local anesthetic on lipids, but they are magnified by the interaction between lipids, proteins and water.

The effect of dimiristoylphosphatidylethanol on the rotational mobility of n-(9-Anthroyloxy) stearic acid in neuronal and model membranes

The aim of this study was to provide a basis for examining the molecular mechanism for the pharmacological action of ethanol. We studied dinotmyristoylnotphosphatidylethanol (DMPEt)’s effects on specific locations of n-(9-anthroyloxy) palmitic acid or stearic acid (n-AS) within phosnotpholipids of synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles isolated from bovine cerebral cortex (SPMV) and liposomes of total lipids (SPMVTL) and phospholipids (SPMVPL) extracted from SPMV. DMPEt increased rotational mobility (increased disordering) of hydrocarbon interior, but it decreased mobility (increased ordering) of membrane interface, in native and model membranes. The degree of rotational mobility in accordance with the carbon atom numbers of phospholipids comprising neuronal membranes was in the order at the 16, 12, 9, 6 and 2 position of aliphatic chain present in phospholipids. The sensitivity of increasing or decreasing effect of rotational mobility of hydrocarbon interior or surface region by DMPEt differed depending on the neuronal and model membranes in the descending order of SPMV, SPMVPL and SPMVTL.

Effects of dimyristoylphosphatidylethanol and ethanol on thickness of neuronal membrane lipid bilayers

The aim of this study was to provide a basis for examining the molecular mechanism for the pharmacological action of ethanol. Energy transfer between the surface fluorescent probe 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid and hydrophobic fluorescent probe 1,3-di(1-pyrenyl)propane was used to examine the effect of both dimyristoylphosphatidylethanol (DMPEt) and ethanol on the thickness (D) of the synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (SPMV) isolated from the bovine cerebral cortex. The thickness (D) of the intact SPMV was 1.044 +/- 0.008 (arbitrary units, n=5) at 37 degrees C (pH 7.4). Both DMPEt and ethanol decreased the thickness of the SPMV lipid bilayer in a dose-dependent manner with a significant decrease in thickness observed at 5 microM and 25 mM, respectively. It was assumed that both ethanol and DMPEt cause interdigitation in the SPMV lipid bilayers. The effects of ethanol on the neuronal membranes were attributed to its direct and indirect actions. The indirect action of ethanol refers to the action of phosphatidylethanol, which is an ethanol abnormal metabolite, on the neuronal membranes. The decrease in membrane thickness by both DMPEt and ethanol might be responsible for some, but not all of its anesthetic actions.

The Effect of Mepivacaine·HCl on the Physical Properties of Liposomes of Total Lipid and Phospholipids Extracted from Neuronal Membranes

The aim of this study was to provide the basis to further examine the mode of action of local anesthetic. Fluorescent probe techniques were used to evaluate the effect of mepivacaine·HCl on the physical properties (transbilayer asymmetric lateral and rotational mobilities, membrane thickness) of liposomes of total lipid (SPMVTL) and phospholipids (SPMVPL) extracted synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (SPMV) isolated from bovine cerebral cortex. An experimental procedure was used based on selective quenching of 1,3-di(1-pyrenyl)propane (Py-3-Py) and 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) by trinitrophenyl groups. Membrane thickness was measured by using energy transfer between the surface fluorescent probe 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid (ANS) and the hydrophobic fluorescent probe Py-3-Py. Mepivacaine·HCl increased the bulk lateral and rotational mobilities, and had a greater fluidizing effect on the inner monolayer than outer monolayer of liposome. The thickness of SPMVTL, SPMVPL lipid bilayer have been decreased by mepivacaine·HCl, which means that the membranes have been expanded. It is judged that the region for the decreased thickness of SPMVTL, SPMVPL lipid bilayer by mepivacaine·HCl is due to the lateral and rotational mobility of the SPMVTL, SPMVPL lipid bilayer was found to be increased by mepivacaine·HCl. The magnitude of increasing effect of mepivacaine·HCl on lateral and rotational mobilities of both SPMVTL, SPMVPL lipid bilayer was significantly far smaller than the magnitude of those of SPMV lipid bilayer. The sensitivities to the increasing effect of the lateral and rotational mobilities of the liposomal lipid bilayer by the local anesthetic differed depending on the native and model membranes in the descending order of SPMV, SPMVPL and SPMVTL. These effects are not only due to the influence of the local anesthetic on lipids, but they are magnified by the interaction between lipids, proteins and water.

The effect of bupivacaine·HCl on the physical properties of neuronal membranes

Fluorescent probe techniques were used to evaluate the effect of bupivacaine.HCl on the physical properties (transbilayer asymmetric lateral and rotational mobilities, annular lipid fluidity and protein distribution) of synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (SPMVs) isolated from bovine cerebral cortex. An experimental procedure was used based on selective quenching of both 1,3-di(1-pyrenyl)propane (Py-3-Py) and 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) by trinitrophenyl groups, and radiationless energy transfer (RET) from the tryptophans of membrane proteins to Py-3-Py. Bupivacaine.HCl increased the bulk lateral and rotational mobilities, and annular lipid fluidity in SPMVs lipid bilayers, and had a greater fluidizing effect on the inner monolayer than that of the outer monolayer. The magnitude of increasing effect on annular lipid fluidity in SPMVs lipid bilayer induced by bupivacaine.HCl was significantly far greater than magnitude of increasing effect of the drug on the lateral and rotational mobilities of bulk SPMVs lipid bilayer. It also caused membrane proteins to cluster. These effects of bupivacaine.HCl on neuronal membranes may be responsible for some, though not all, of the local anesthetic actions of bupivacaine.HCl.

The effect of propoxycaine·HCl on the physical properties of neuronal membranes

Fluorescent probe techniques were used to evaluate the effect of propoxycaine·HCl on the physical properties (transbilayer asymmetric lateral and rotational mobilities, annular lipid fluidity and protein distribution) of synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (SPMVs) isolated from bovine cerebral cortex. An experimental procedure was used based on selective quenching of both 1,3-di(1-pyrenyl)propane (Py-3-Py) and 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) by trinitrophenyl groups, and radiationless energy transfer (RET) from the tryptophans of membrane proteins to Py-3-Py. Propoxycaine·HCl increased the bulk lateral and rotational mobilities, and annular lipid fluidity in SPMVs lipid bilayers, and had a greater fluidizing effect on the inner monolayer than that of the outer monolayer. The magnitude of increasing effect on annular lipid fluidity in SPMVs lipid bilayer induced by propoxycaine·HCl was significantly far greater than magnitude of increasing effect of the drug on the lateral and rotational mobilities of SPMVs lipid bilayer. It also caused membrane proteins to cluster. These effects of propoxycaine·HCl on neuronal membranes may be responsible for some, though not all, of the local anesthetic actions of propoxycaine·HCl.

Amphiphilic effects of dibucaine·HCl on rotational mobility of n-(9-anthroyloxy)stearic acid in neuronal and model membranes

We studied dibucaine's effects on specific locations of n-(9-anthroyloxy)palmitic acid or stearic acid ( n-AS) within phospholipids of synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles isolated from bovine cerebral cortex (SPMV) and model membranes. Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) were prepared with total lipids (SPMVTL) and mixture of several phospholipids (SPMVPL) extracted from SPMV. Dibucaine·HCl increased rotational mobility (increased disordering) of hydrocarbon interior, but it decreased mobility (increased ordering) of membrane interface, in both native and model membranes. The degree of rotational mobility in accordance with the carbon atom numbers of phospholipids comprising neuronal and model membranes was in the order at the 16, 12, 9, 6 and 2 position of aliphatic chain present in phospholipids. The sensitivity of increasing or decreasing effect of rotational mobility of hydrocarbon interior or surface region by dibucaine·HCl differed depending on the neuronal and model membranes in the descending order of SPMV, SPMVPL and SPMVTL.

Effects of Chlorpromazine·HCl on the Structural Parameters of Bovine Brain Membranes

Fluorescence probes located in different membrane regions were used to evaluate the effects of chlorpromazine .HCl on structural parameters (transbilayer lateral mobility, annular lipid fluidity, protein distribution, and lipid bilayer thickness) of synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (SPMVs) isolated from bovine cerebral cortex. The experimental procedure was based on the selective quenching of 1,3-di(1-pyrenyl)propane (Py-3-Py) by trinitrophenyl groups, radiationless energy transfer from the tryptophan of membrane proteins to Py-3-Py, and energy transfer from Py-3-Py monomers to 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid (ANS). In this study, chlorpromazine .HCl decreased the lateral mobility of Py-3-Py in a concentration dependent-manner, showed a greater ordering effect on the inner monolayer than on the outer monolayer, decreased annular lipid fluidity in a dose dependent-manner, and contracted the membrane lipid bilayer. Furthermore, the drug was found to have a clustering effect on membrane proteins.

Effects of dopamine HCl on structural parameters of bovine brain membranes.

Fluorescence probes located in different membrane regions were used to evaluate the effect of dopamine.HCl on the structural parameters (transbilayer lateral mobility, annular lipid fluidity, protein distribution, and thickness of the lipid bilayer) of synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (SPMV), which were obtained from the bovine cerebral cortex. An experimental procedure was used based on selective quenching of 1,3-di(1-pyrenyl)propane (Py-3-Py) by trinitrophenyl groups, and radiationless energy transfer from the tryptophan of membrane proteins to Py-3-Py and energy transfer from Py-3-Py monomers to 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid (ANS) was also utilized. Dopamine.HCl increased both the bulk lateral mobility and annular lipid fluidity, and it had a greater fluidizing effect on the inner monolayer than on the outer monolayer. Furthermore, the drug had a clustering effect on membrane proteins.

Amphiphilic effects of local anesthetics on rotational mobility in neuronal and model membranes

To provide a basis for studying the molecular mechanism of pharmacological action of local anesthetics, we carried out a study of the membrane actions of tetracaine, bupivacaine, lidocaine, prilocaine and procaine. Fluorescence polarization of 12-(9-anthroyloxy)stearic acid (12-AS) and 2-(9-anthroyloxy)stearic acid (2-AS) were used to examine the effects of local anesthetics on differential rotational mobility between polar region and hydrocarbon interior of synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (SPMV) isolated from bovine cerebral cortex, and liposomes of total lipids (SPMVTL) and phospholipids (SPMVPL) extracted from the SPMV. The two membrane components differed with respect to 2 and 12 anthroyloxy stearate (2-AS, 12-AS) probes, indicating that a difference in the membrane fluidity may be present. In a dose-dependent manner, tetracaine, bupivacaine, lidocaine, prilocaine and procaine decreased anisotropy of 12-AS in the hydrocarbon interior of the SPMV, SPMVTL and SPMVPL, but tetracaine, bupivacaine, lidocaine and prilocaine increased anisotropy of 2-AS in the membrane interface. These results indicate that local anesthetics have significant disordering effects on hydrocarbon interior of the SPMV, SPMVTL and SPMVPL, but have significant ordering effects on the membrane interface, and thus they could affect the transport of Na + and K + in nerve membranes, leading to anesthetic action.

Hypothalamic hypophyseal inhibitory factor (HHIF) increases intrasynaptosomal free calcium concentration.

We have isolated from bovine hypothalamic and pituitary tissues a sodium pump inhibitor that is structurally different from ouabain. By mass spectrometric analysis, this purified factor revealed a single unique molecular ion with an accurate mass of 412.277 and a mass spectra different from that of ouabain. It has been previously shown that this factor inhibits the Ca2+, Mg(2+)-ATPase of the plasma membrane of synaptosomes. Because Ca2+ plays a major role in cellular excitability, we carried out a systematic study of the effects of this inhibitor on the Ca2+ transport processes across the plasma membrane of synaptosomes: We measured ATP-dependent calcium uptake, Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange, and passive permeability using 45Ca2+ and Millipore filtration, chlortetracycline fluorescence, and light-scattering, respectively. This factor inhibits the Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity of the synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles in the same range of concentrations that produced an increase of intrasynaptosomal free calcium, with nearly the same K0.5 value. In addition, in this concentration range, this factor stimulated 10- to 11-fold the passive flux of Ca2+ and 2.5- to 3-fold the Ca2+ influx via the Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange in these membranes with respect to control values. Measurements of fluorescence anisotropy showed that in this concentration range, the inhibitor did not significantly change the order parameter (fluidity) of these membranes. These results suggest that besides its known inhibition of the sodium pump, this factor could play a role in the control of Ca2+ homeostasis by direct modulation of transport systems implicated in the control of intracellular calcium.

Determination of microviscosity and location of 1,3-Di(1-pyrenyl)propane in brain membranes

We determined the microviscosity of synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (SPMV) isolated from bovine cerebral cortex and liposomes of total lipids (SPMTL) and phospholipids (SPMPL) extracted from SPMV. Changes in the microviscosity induced by the range and rate of lateral diffusion were measured by the intramolecular excimerization of 1,3-di(1-pyrenyl)-propane (Py-3-Py). The microviscosity values of the direct probe environment in SPMV, SPMTL and SPMPL were 38.17, 31.11 and 27.64 cP, respectively, at 37 degrees C and the activation energies (E(a)) of the excimer formation of Py-3-Py in SPMV, SPMTL and SPMPL were 8.236, 7.448 amd 7.025 kcal/mol, respectively. Probe location was measured by polarity and polarizability parameters of the probe Py-3-Py and probe analogues, pyrene, 1-pyrenenonanol and 1-pyrenemethyl-3beta-hydroxy-22,23-bisnor-5-cholenate (PMC), incorporated into membranes or solubilized in reference solvents. There existed a good linear relationship between the first absorption peak of the(1)L(a) band and the polarizability parameter (n (2)-1)/(2n (2)+1). The calculated refractive index values for SPMV, SPMTL and SPMPL were close to 1.50, which is higher than that of liquid paraffin (n=1.475). The probe location was also determined by using a polarity parameter (f-1/2f(1)). Here f=(epsilon-1)/(2epsilon+1) is the dielectric constant function and f'=(n (2)-1)/(2n (2)+1) is the refractive index function. A correlation existed between the monomer fluorescence intensity ratio and the solvent polarity parameter. The probes incorporated in SPMV, SPMTL, and SPMPL report a polarity value close to that of 1-hexanol (epsilon=13.29). In conclusion, Py-3-Py is located completely inside the membrane, not in the very hydrophobic core, but displaced toward the polar head groups of phospholipid molecules, e.g., central methylene region of aliphatic chains of phospholipid molecules.

Effects of n-Alkanols on the lateral diffusion of total phospholipid fraction extracted from brain membranes

We investigated the effects ofn-alkanols on the range and rate of the lateral diffusion of 1,3-di(1-pyrenyl)propane in the model membranes of total phospholipid fraction extracted from synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles. n-Alkanols increased the range and rate of the lateral diffusion of 1,3-di(1-pyrenyl)propane in the bulk model membrane structures (inner+outer monolayers) and the potencies ofn-alkanols up to 1-nonanol increased by 1 order of magnitude as the carbon chain length increases by two carbon atoms. The cut-off phenomenon was reached at 1-decanol, where further increase in hydrocarbon length resulted in a decrease in the lateral diffusion. However, significant changes in the l′/l value were not observed by methanol (from 100 to 2500 mM), ethanol (from 25 to 800 mM), and 1-propanol (from 10 to 250 mM) over entire concentration.

Effects of n-alkanols on the rotational relaxation time of 1,6-Diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene in the synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles isolated from bovine cerebral cortex

The effects of n-alkanols on the rotational relaxation time of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) in synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles isolated from fresh bovine cerebral cortex were investigated. n-Alkanols decreased the rotational relaxation time of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene in the native membranes and the potencies of n-alkanols up to 1-nonanol increased by 1 order of magnitude as the carbon chain length increases by two carbon atoms. The cut-off phenomenon was reached at 1-decanol, where further increase in hydrocarbon length resulted in an increase in the rotational relaxation time of DPH in the native membranes.

Effects of barbiturates on the rotational relaxation time of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene in native and model membranes

Synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (SPMV) were isolated from fresh bovine cerebral cortex. The effects of barbiturates on the rotational relaxation time of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) in intact SPMV and model membranes of total lipids (SPMVTL) and phospholipids (SPMVPL) extracted from SPMV were examined. Barbiturates decreased the rotational relaxation time of DPH in intact SPMV in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, they did not affect the rotational relaxation time of DPH in SPMVTL and even dose-dependently increased the rotational relaxation time of DPH in SPMVPL.

Membrane-ordering effects of barbiturates on pure phospholipid model membranes

Intramolecular excimer formation of 1,3-di(1-pyrenyl)propane (Py-3-Py) and fluorescence polarization of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) were used to investigate the effects of barbiturates on the fluidity of model membranes of phosphatidylcholine (SPMVPC), phosphatidylserine (SPMVPS), and phosphatidylinositol (SPMVPI) fractions of synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (SPMV) isolated from bovine cerebral cortex. In a dose-dependent manner, barbiturates decreased the excimer to monomer fluorescence intensity ratio (I′/I) of Py-3-Py and increased the anisotropy(r), rotational relaxation time(φ), limiting anisotropy(r∞), and order parameter (S) of DPH in SPMVPC, SPMVPS and SPMVPI. This indicates that barbiturates decreased both the lateral and rotational diffusion of the probes in SPMVPC, SPMVPS and SPMVPI. The relative potencies of barbiturates in ordering the membranes were in the order: pentobarbital>hexobarbital>amobarbital>phenobarbital. This order correlates well with the anesthetic potencies of barbiturates and the potencies for enhancement of γ-aminobutyric acid-stimulated chloride uptake. Thus, it is strongly suggested that a close relationship might exist between the membrane-ordering effects of barbiturates and the chloride fluxes across SPMV.

Transbllayer effects of n-alkanols on the fluidity of phospholipid model membranes

Selective quenching of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) by trinitrophenyl groups was utilized to examine the transbilayer fluidity asymmetry of model membranes of phospholipids (SPMVPL) extracted from synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (SPMV). The polarization (P), anisotropy (r), limiting anisotropy (r∞), and order parameter (S) of DPH in the inner monolayer were 0.019, 0.014, 0.018, and 0.047, respectively, greater than calculated for the outer monolayer of SPMVPL. Selective quenching of DPH by trinitrophenyl groups was also utilized to examine the effects of n-alkanols on the individual monolayer structure of SPMVPL. n-Alkanols fluidized the hydrocarbon region of bulk SPMVPL and the potencies of n-alkanols up to 1-nonanol increased with carbon chain length. It appears that the potencies in bilayer fluidization increase by 1 order of magnitude as the carbon chain length increases by two carbon atoms. The cut-off phenomenon was reached at 1-decanol, where further increase in hydrocarbon length resulted in a decrease in pharmacological activity. The n-alkanols had greater fluidizing effects on the outer monolayer as compared to the inner monolayer of SPMVPL, even though these selective effects tended to become weaker as the carbon chain length increased. Thus, it has been proven that n-alkanols exhibit selective rather than nonselective fluidizing effects within transbilayer domains of SPMVPL.