Effect of succinylphosphatidylcholine on phosphatidylcholine vesicles: structural studies by gel chromatography, electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance

Biochim Biophys Acta. 1980 Apr 24;597(3):464-76. doi: 10.1016/0005-2736(80)90220-5.

Abstract

The effect of an aqueous dispersion of succinylphosphatidylcholine on an aqueous suspension of phosphatidylcholine vesicles was studied by gel chromatography, freeze-fracture electron microscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance with Mn2+ (broadening paramagnetic reagent). Total phospholipid concentrations were in the range 10--20 mM. Succinylphosphatidylcholine is in micellar form and behaves as a detergent. The structures obtained depend on the molar percentage of succinylphosphatidylcholine. Above a succinylphosphatidylcholine molar percentage of 60%, mixed micelles are formed, assumed to be essentially spherical. Below a succinylphosphatidylcholine molar percentage of 30%, principally mixed vesicles are observed, with an external diameter of 215--240 A, and an almost constant internal volume. Between 30 and 60% of succinlyphosphatidylcholine, a mixture of these structures is obtained; rod-shaped profiles are also observed in electron microscopy, which may correspond to sections of leaky vesicles or to a new kind of cylindrical micelle.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, Gel
  • Liposomes*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Micelles
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Particle Size
  • Phosphatidylcholines*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Liposomes
  • Micelles
  • Phosphatidylcholines
  • succinylphosphatidylcholine