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Effects of the pyrethroid insecticide permethrin on membrane fluidity
M R Moya-Quiles1, E Munoz-Delgado, C J Vidal
1Departamento de Bioquimica y Biologia Molecular A, Facultad de Biologia, Edificio de Veterinaria, Campus de Espinardo, Universidad de Murcia, Spain.
Chemistry and Physics of Lipids
|January 25, 1996
Summary
Permethrin interacts with phospholipid bilayers, decreasing their phase transition temperature and increasing fluidity. This insecticide preferentially localizes in the membrane
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Biophysics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Lipid bilayers form cell membranes, regulating transport and signaling.
- Permethrin is a widely used insecticide affecting insect nervous systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction of permethrin with model phospholipid bilayers.
- To determine how permethrin affects membrane properties like fluidity and phase transition.
Main Methods:
- Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to measure phase transition temperatures.
- DPH and TMA-DPH fluorescence anisotropy to assess membrane fluidity.
- Liposome preparation with varying phospholipid chain lengths (DMPC, DPPC, DSPC).
Main Results:
- Permethrin decreased the phase transition temperature (Tm) of DMPC, DPPC, and DSPC bilayers.
- Membrane cooperativity for phase transitions was reduced by permethrin.
- Increased membrane fluidity was observed below the Tm, suggesting interaction with the lipid core.
Conclusions:
- Permethrin integrates into the hydrophobic core of phospholipid bilayers.
- It disrupts lipid packing in the gel phase, increasing fluidity.
- These alterations may contribute to permethrin's insecticidal activity by affecting membrane function.