Physical properties of muscle cell membranes during fusion. a fluorescence polarization study with the ionophore A23187
Weidekamm, E.; Schudt, C.; Brdiczka, D.
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 443(2): 169-180
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0006-3002 PMID: 782544 DOI: 10.1016/0005-2736(76)90500-9
Accession: 040976173
1. The fluorescence polarization of A23187 is used to detect physical changes in myoblast membranes produced by Ca2+ concentrations which are able to trigger fusion. Temperature scans reveal a Ca2+-dependent fluidity increase in the microenvironment of the ionophore above 37 degree C. 2. Time-dependent polarization measurements show two different effects. The first one consists of a fast polarization increase which reaches its maximum after 5-10 min. This change could be explained by a Ca2+-induced phase separation of acidic and neutral phospholipids in the membrane. The second effect is a slow polarization decrease over 2-3 h subsequent to the fast increase. 3. The information derived from the fluorescence polarization is in accordance with the characteristics of the fusion of myoblast cells regarding the dependence on Ca2+ concentration, the inhibition by Mg2+ and lysolecithin as well as a typical temperature of 35-37 degree C where fusion rate changes abruptly.