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Glycoalkaloids selectively permeabilize cholesterol containing biomembranes
E A Keukens1, T de Vrije, L A Jansen
1DLO Agrotechnological Research Institute ATO-DLO, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|March 13, 1996
Summary
Glycoalkaloids like alpha-solanine disrupt cell membranes, particularly those containing cholesterol. Alpha-chaconine also uniquely impairs cell communication, showing potent mitochondrial membrane permeabilization.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glycoalkaloids are natural compounds found in plants.
- Their membrane interactions are not fully understood.
- Investigating their cellular effects is crucial for understanding their biological activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the membrane action of glycoalkaloids (alpha-solanine, alpha-chaconine, alpha-tomatine).
- To determine their effects on cell membrane integrity and function.
- To explore their impact on intercellular communication.
Main Methods:
- Assessed erythrocyte hemolysis and 6-carboxyfluorescein leakage from lipid vesicles.
- Measured enzyme leakage from mitochondria and Caco-2 cell membranes.
- Evaluated the impact of glycoalkaloids on gap-junctional communication in Caco-2 cells.
Main Results:
- Glycoalkaloids demonstrated specific membrane-disruptive effects on cholesterol-containing membranes.
- Alpha-chaconine selectively reduced gap-junctional intercellular communication.
- Glycoalkaloids showed greater potency than digitonin in permeabilizing mitochondrial outer membranes at low concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Glycoalkaloids exhibit specific cholesterol-dependent membrane disruptive properties.
- Alpha-chaconine possesses a unique ability to inhibit intercellular communication.
- These compounds are potent agents for altering membrane permeability, including mitochondrial membranes.