Interaction of a phosphatidylcholine derivative of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH-PC) with lymphocytes

In this study we have demonstrated a transfer of a phosphatidylcholine derivative of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH-PC) from self-quenched lipid vesicles to intact lymphocytes. Membrane labeling was followed measuring the time dependent reexpression of fluorescence. The results of fluorescence quenching by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonate and the decrease of fluorescence polarization values during incubation at 37 degrees C, suggest that the probe could remain localized at level of the plasma membrane until 20-30 minutes. DPH-PC is identical to the natural phospholipid with respect to head group structure and polarity therefore we suggest that under appropriate experimental conditions, it could represent an useful tool to study the physico-chemical properties of specific phospholipid domains in the plasma membrane of intact cells.