Dihydrosphingomyelin (DHS) is the major phospholipid in the human lens. The influence of this phospholipid on membrane structure and function is not known. In this study we used infrared spectroscopy to determine the thermodynamic and molecular structural properties of the hydrocarbon chains of DHS membranes isolated from human lenses. The phase transition temperature of human lens DHS was 9 oC higher than for bovine brain sphingomyelin membranes and 14 and 7 °C higher than human lens cortical and nuclear membranes, respectively. This increase in the phase transition temperature results in a 20% increase in lipid order at 36 °C in comparison to that of native membranes and bovine brain sphingomyelin. DHS is likely to provide structural order to the hydrocarbon chain region and upholds the integrity of native membranes under oxidative conditions.

Keywords:
Infrared spectroscopy, Phase transition, Dihydrosphingomyelin, Human lens, Lipid
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1996 S. Karger AG, Basel
1996
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.