The characteristics of human prostasomal vesicles have been investigated by
three methods, namely, dynamic light scattering, transfer of a lipophylic
fluorescent dye (R-18), and electron microscope appearance. The vesicle pre
parations were stable for a long time and their diameters were in the range
of 200 nm. The exposure to acidic pH values (about 5) increased both parti
cle radii and the transfer of R-18. The microscopic appearance was also aff
ected by the pH value. We infer that these changes are due to a self-fusion
of prostasome vesicles; this fusion is protein-dependent since various met
hods used by us and able to affect the protein component of membranes (boil
ing, extraction of lipid and liposome preparation, treatment with pronase)
all abolished the effect seen at pH 5 on intact particles. (C) 2001 Elsevie
r Science.