Shape of the fluidity gradient in the plasma membrane of living HeLa cells

The shape of the fluidity gradient of the outer hemi-leaflet of the plasma membrane of living HeLa cells was determined using a series of n-(9-anthroyloxy) fatty acid probes where n = 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 16. Fluorescence uptake and steady-state anisotropy values were obtained with a flow cytometer capable of continuous recording over time of vertical and horizontal emission intensities, and of the output of these intensities as calculated anisotropy values. The fluorescence uptake of all of the membrane probes was rapid up to about 15 min. The magnitudes of the uptake of fluorescence were, for the n-(9-anthroyloxy) series, in the order 2 greater than 3 greater than 6 greater than 7 greater than 9 greater than 10 greater than 11 = 12 = 16. Anisotropy values were constant from 5 to 30 min after addition of the various probes, and the magnitudes were in the order 7 greater than 6 greater than 9 = 10 greater than 2 = 3 greater than 11 greater than 12 greater than 16, indicative of the shape of the fluidity gradient. No differences were noted between the values obtained with 12-(9-anthroyloxy) stearic acid and 12- (9-anthroyloxy) oleate. The kinetics of anisotropy exhibited by those probes with the anthroyloxy group in positions deeper than 9, where initially higher values declined until equilibrium was reached, were probably indicative of an energy barrier at the approximate depth sensed by 7 AS.