Microviscosity modulation during the cell cycle of neuroblastoma cells

Microviscosity (n) of the cell membrane lipid layer was determined in synchronized C1300 mouse neuroblastoma cells (clone Neuro-2A) by fluorescence polarization of 1,6-diphenystratum. The determined n value was maximal in mitosis, decreased markedly in the G1 phase, remained constant at a low level during the S phase, and increased again during the G2 phase. These findings imply a direct role of the cell membrane fluidity in regulation of the cell cycle.