Hydrodynamic radii and lipid transfer in prostasome self-fusion

Citation
F. Bordi et al., Hydrodynamic radii and lipid transfer in prostasome self-fusion, ARCH BIOCH, 396(1), 2001, pp. 10-15
Citations number
28
Categorie Soggetti
Biochemistry & Biophysics
Journal title
ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
ISSN journal
00039861 → ACNP
Volume
396
Issue
1
Year of publication
2001
Pages
10 - 15
Database
ISI
SICI code
0003-9861(200112)396:1<10:HRALTI>2.0.ZU;2-N
Abstract
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.