Fluorescence depolarization method in the study of dynamic properties of blood cells

Issue title: Proceedings of the Seventh International Congress of Biorheology. Part I. Palais des Congrès, Nancy, France, 18–23 June 1989. Dedicated to Richard Skalak

Guest editors: Alfred L. Copley and Jean-François Stoltz

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Donner, M. | Muller, S. | Stoltz, J.F.

Affiliations: INSERM U284, C0 10, Plateau de Brabois, 54511 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy Cedex, France

Note: [] Accepted by: Guest Editor T. Koyama

Abstract: Fluorescence polarization is the most commonly used method to approach a property of cell membrane, the so-called “fluidity”. Whether time resolved determinations may be of potential interest to get precise information on the behaviour of fluorescent probes incorporated into biological membranes, steady state measurements are still the most accessible for biologists. Steady-state anisotropy value may be considered as a semi-quantitative indication of the cohesion of the lipid chains. However, meaningful interpretation of the anisotropy values requires a careful sample preparation and a suitable use of fluorescent probes. This paper reviews the properties and uses of several hydrophobic membrane fluidity probes. In the case of intact cells, the potential interest of the association of fluorescence polarization with quenching fluorescence method in giving information on the “actual” membrane fluidity is outlined.

Keywords: Fluorescence polarization, quenching, membrane fluidity probes, intact cells

DOI: 10.3233/BIR-1990-273-413

Journal: Biorheology, vol. 27, no. 3-4, pp. 367-374, 1990