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A specific decrease of the fluorescence depolarization of perylene in muscle membranes from mice with muscular
Abstract:
The microviscosity of erythrocyte membranes and muscle microsomes from age matched 6-week old control mice REJ 129 Dy/Dy, and mice with muscular dystrophy REJ 129 DY/DY has been estimated by measuring the fluorescence depolarization of perylene. There was no difference between the erythrocyte membranes. The muscle microsomes from dystrophic animals had about 20% lower values than the controls. The temperature dependence indicated that a transition occurs in both sets of muscle microsomes, but the transition temperature was lower in the dystrophic microsomes. Cholesterol, phospholipid and triglyceride analyses of the membranes showed no difference between the erythrocyte membranes. The largest difference in the muscle microsomes was a two-fold increase in cholesterol level found in the dystrophic microsomes. No simple correlation could be made between the lipid analysis and the microviscosity measurements. Since the change in microviscosity is found in membranes isolated from the tissue primarily affected by the dy gene, we suggest that the change in microviscosity may be important in the development of the disease.
Insights
Mice with muscular dystrophy show altered muscle membrane viscosity. This change in microviscosity, particularly in muscle microsomes, may play a role in disease development.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Musculoskeletal Research
Background:
- Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic disorders characterized by progressive muscle weakness and degeneration.
- Understanding the molecular and cellular changes in muscle tissue is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microviscosity of erythrocyte and muscle microsomal membranes in mice with muscular dystrophy (DY/DY) compared to control mice (Dy/Dy).
- To explore the relationship between membrane lipid composition and microviscosity in the context of muscular dystrophy.
Main Methods:
- Fluorescence depolarization of perylene was used to measure membrane microviscosity.
- Lipid analysis (cholesterol, phospholipid, triglyceride) was performed on isolated membranes.
- Temperature dependence studies were conducted to determine membrane transition temperatures.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in microviscosity was observed in erythrocyte membranes between dystrophic and control mice.
- Muscle microsomes from dystrophic mice exhibited approximately 20% lower microviscosity compared to controls.
- Dystrophic muscle microsomes showed a lower transition temperature and a two-fold increase in cholesterol levels.
- No direct correlation was found between lipid composition and microviscosity measurements.
Conclusions:
- Altered muscle membrane microviscosity is a characteristic feature in muscular dystrophy mice.
- The increased cholesterol content in dystrophic muscle microsomes may contribute to changes in membrane fluidity.
- These microviscosity changes in affected tissues suggest a potential role in the pathogenesis of muscular dystrophy.