α- and β-crystallins modulate the head group order of human lens membranes during aging.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To examine the physical properties of human lens cell membranes as a function of age.

Methods

The environment of the phospholipid head groups in fiber cell membranes from human lenses, aged 22 to 83 years, was assessed with Laurdan and two-photon confocal microscopy. The effect of mild thermal stress on head group order was studied with lens pairs in which one intact lens was incubated at 50 °C. Dihydrosphingomyelin vesicles were preloaded with Laurdan, α-, β-, or γ-crystallin was added, and surface fluidity was determined.

Results

The membrane head group environment became more fluid with age as indicated by increased water penetration. Furthermore, these changes could be replicated simply by exposing intact human lenses to mild thermal stress; conditions whi

SUBMITTER: Zhu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3066618 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature