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Lipid composition of myelin and protein--lipid complex in a neurological rabbit mutant
H Wikel1, K Domańska-Janik, J Strosznajder
1Department of Neurochemistry, Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw.
Abstract:
The neurological mutant of the paralytic tremor "pt" rabbit is characterized by a reduced amount of myelin to 25-30% of control with no change in specific activity for 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase. The ratio of total lipids to protein was higher in "pt" rabbit myelin than in control by about 20%. Analysis of the lipid composition of "pt" rabbit myelin indicated a significantly lower level of galactolipids (by about 30%) and a higher level of gangliosides compared to control. The percentage composition of phospholipids in "pt" myelin was characterized by a lower proportion of acidic phospholipids (polyphosphoinositides, phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylserine). The protein-lipid complex in "pt" rabbit myelin was decreased by about 10-15% compared to control. The ratio by weight of protein to lipid in myelin was 0.24 and 0.20 in control and "pt" rabbit, respectively, but in protein-lipid complex isolated from myelin it was 1.73 in control and 0.72 in "pt" rabbit. Protein-lipid complex isolated from myelin of "pt" rabbit brain contained about 34% less protein and about 16% less acidic phospholipids but neutral phospholipids were increased by 24%. The lipid abnormalities in "pt" rabbit myelin and in the composition of protein-lipid complex may be responsible for the disturbances of myelin formation and compaction in "pt" rabbit.
Insights
The paralytic tremor "pt" rabbit shows significantly reduced myelin and altered lipid composition. These myelin abnormalities may cause impaired myelin formation and compaction in "pt" rabbits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- The paralytic tremor (pt) rabbit is a neurological mutant.
- Myelin, crucial for nerve impulse transmission, is affected in neurological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biochemical and compositional changes in myelin of the "pt" rabbit mutant.
- To understand the molecular basis of myelin defects in this model.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of myelin content and lipid composition in "pt" rabbits compared to controls.
- Biochemical assays to determine protein and lipid ratios and phospholipid profiles.
Main Results:
- "Pt" rabbit myelin was reduced by 25-30% with altered lipid-to-protein ratios.
- Decreased galactolipids and increased gangliosides were observed.
- Abnormalities in phospholipid composition and protein-lipid complex were identified.
Conclusions:
- The identified lipid abnormalities in "pt" rabbit myelin and its protein-lipid complex are likely responsible for impaired myelin formation and compaction.
- The "pt" rabbit serves as a valuable model for studying myelin disorders.