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[PHOSPHOLIPIDS, FATTY ACIDS AND HEMOGLOBIN OF ERYTHROCYTES IN RAT BLOOD UNDER STRESS CONDITIONS (SWIMMING AT A LOW
Zhurnal Evoliutsionnoi Biokhimii I Fiziologii
|January 30, 2019
Summary
Severe stress alters erythrocyte membrane phospholipids, shifting outer layer components and decreasing inner layer ones. Fatty acid composition remains stable, potentially preserving cell function despite structural changes.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Erythrocyte membranes maintain critical cell functions.
- Stress can induce significant physiological and biochemical changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of acute stress on erythrocyte phospholipid and fatty acid content in rats.
- To understand the structural and functional implications of these changes.
Main Methods:
- Rats were subjected to swimming stress until drowning.
- Phospholipid and fatty acid profiles of erythrocytes were analyzed.
- Absorption spectra of lipid extracts were examined to detect heme presence.
Main Results:
- Stress increased outer membrane phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin) and decreased inner membrane phospholipids (phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidyl serine, monophosphoinositide).
- Fatty acid composition (saturated, unsaturated, unsaturation index) remained largely unchanged.
- Stress induced a two-fold increase in heme in lipid extracts, indicating hemoglobin saponification due to altered erythrocyte pH.
Conclusions:
- Stress causes significant structural alterations in the erythrocyte membrane phospholipid composition.
- Stable fatty acid profiles may compensate for phospholipid changes, maintaining erythrocyte function.
- Stress-induced changes in erythrocyte pH and hemoglobin degradation are indicated by heme appearance.
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