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Fluorescent probe analysis of erythrocyte membranes in myotonic dystrophy

Henry Watts Research Center and the Departments of Neurology and Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia.

Previous electron spin resonance studies in myotonic muscular dystrophy (MyMD) have suggested that an increased cell surface membrane "fluidity" might underlie the widespread abnormalities in this disorder. We attempted to confirm and expand those findings by using another physical probe technique: fluorescence polarization spectroscopy. Spectral characteristics and rotational relaxation rates of four hydrophobic fluorescent probes were monitored in control and MyMD erythrocyte membrane ghosts. Structurally unrelated probes were used to minimize the possibility that an alteration in physical properties in a restricted membrane microdomain would pass undetected. All probes were studied between 5°C and 40°C in each preparation to quantitate temperature-dependent changes. We failed to confirm the abnormality in apparent membrane fluidity previously reported in MyMD.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Barchi, Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

Accepted for publication August 17, 1979.

This work was supported in part by a grant from the Muscular Dystrophy Association and by NIH pane Nos. NS-14514 and NS-08075. Dr. Barchi is the recipient of an NIH Research Career Development Award.