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Changes of structural and dynamic properties of model lipid membranes induced by alpha-tocopherol: implication to the
S Koronkiewicz1, S Kalinowski, K Bryl
1Department of Physics and Biophysics, Warmia and Masuria University, Olsztyn, Olsztyn-Kortowo, Poland.
Abstract:
The effects of alpha-tocopherol on electric properties of bilayer lipid membranes were investigated. Planar bilayer membranes formed by the Mueller-Rudin method were used. Voltammetric and chronopotentiometric measurements were performed using a four-electrode potentiostat-galvanostat. It was demonstrated that registration of membrane capacitance, resistance, and voltammetric characteristics provided information about the change in the structure and permeability of bilayer lipid membranes. The results suggested that incorporation of alpha-tocopherol into lipid membrane destabilized its structure and facilitated the electrogeneration of pores. The possible role of observed changes in physiological functions of alpha-tocopherol was discussed.