The influence of poly(ethylene glycol) on the molecular dynamics within the glycocalyx.
Interaction of polymers with cell surfaces is a question of general interest for cell aggregation and fusion. The molecular dynamics within the surface coat of human erythrocytes as well as alterations of membrane protein arrangement (IMPs) in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were investigated by EPR spin labeling techniques and freeze-fracture electron microscopy, respectively. AT PEG concentrations which induce aggregation of erythrocytes the surface coat and the protein arrangement is not disturbed by the polymer. This implicate an exclusion of the polymer from the cell surface.
Pratsch
L
L
Sektion Biologie, Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, G.D.R.
Herrmann
A
A
Schwede
I
I
Meyer
H W
HW
D002449:Cell Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D002459:Cell Fusion / Q000187:drug effects; D004578:Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005614:Freeze Fracturing; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008560:Membrane Fluidity; D008563:Membrane Lipids / Q000032:analysis; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000379:methods; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000032:analysis*; D013499:Surface Properties
D006023:Glycoproteins; D008563:Membrane Lipids; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D011134:Polysaccharides; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols