Partition of synaptic membranes in aqueous two-phase systems at subzero temperatures by using anti-freeze solvent.
The freezing point of aqueous two-phase (liquid-liquid) systems containing water, dextran and poly(ethylene glycol) has been lowered by including glycerol. Biological membranes, obtained by fragmentation of a crude synaptosomal preparation from calf brain cortex, have been included in the two-phase systems. The effects of temperature and the concentration of glycerol on the partition of the membranes within the systems have been investigated. Considerable stabilisation of the membranes was noticed when they were partitioned at -10 degrees C compared with 0 degrees C. The influences of glycerol, ethylene glycol, N,N-dimethylformamide and tetrahydrofuran on the phase-forming properties of the systems and on enzyme activities are also presented. Possible use of the above systems for studies and separation of biological membranes are discussed.
Johansson
G
G
Department of Biochemistry, University of Lund, Sweden.
Joelsson
M
M
Olde
B
B
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D005990:Glycerol / Q000494:pharmacology; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / Q000032:analysis; D011108:Polymers / Q000494:pharmacology; D012995:Solubility; D012997:Solvents / Q000494:pharmacology; D013570:Synaptic Membranes / Q000187:drug effects*; D013696:Temperature; D014783:Viscosity
D011108:Polymers; D012997:Solvents; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; D005990:Glycerol