Reconstitution of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors into gel-protected lipid membranes.
We report the functional reconstitution of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors into gel-protected bilayer lipid membranes using two different methods. In the first case, reconstitution was achieved by direct membrane formation from an emulsion of glycerol monooleate, hexane, and a membrane receptor extract. In the second case, incorporation was achieved via the fusion of vesicles from a preparation of membrane-bound receptors into preformed membranes after diffusion through the protective front gel layer. Measurement of the dc conductivity of the membranes in the presence of either acetylcholine or alpha-bungarotoxin was used to test for the functional activity of incorporated receptors.
Beddow
J A
JA
Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Electronics, Coventry University SE, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK.
Peterson
I R
IR
Heptinstall
J
J
Walton
D J
DJ
D004566:Electrodes; D005782:Gels; D005990:Glycerol / Q000737:chemistry; D006586:Hexanes / Q000737:chemistry; D008051:Lipid Bilayers / Q000737:chemistry*; D008563:Membrane Lipids / Q000737:chemistry*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology*
D005782:Gels; D006586:Hexanes; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D008563:Membrane Lipids; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic; D005990:Glycerol