Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications · Dec 28, 1983

Spin label studies on synaptosomal membranes of rat brain cortex during aging

By Nagy K, Simon P, Zs-Nagy I

Membrane lipids of brain synaptosomes of 2, 12 and 24 months old rats were labeled by stearic acid spin probes with a doxyl group in the C-5 and C-16 position, respectively. We demonstrated that the hydrophobic region of synaptosomal membranes became more rigid during the life span studied, and the region located nearer the surface of membranes displays a significantly decreased fluidity only in the oldest group. Membrane proteins labeled with a nitroxide derivative of maleimide suggest that conformational changes take place during aging.

doi.org/10.1016/0006-291x(83)91652-2PubMed 6320812Mechanisms