The origin of cholesterol's condensing effect.

ABSTRACT: The condensing effect of cholesterol on fluid bilayers of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine has been compared with that of dihydrocholesterol and coprostanol by means of nearest-neighbor recognition measurements. Whereas dihydrocholesterol exhibits a condensing power that is equivalent to that of cholesterol, the action of coprostanol is significantly weaker. These results provide strong support for a template mechanism of condensation and argue against an umbrella mechanism.

SUBMITTER: Daly TA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3107356 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature