Exploring the effect of xenon on biomembranes

Cell Mol Biol Lett. 2005;10(4):563-9.

Abstract

We report the initial findings of 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations of the role of cellular membranes in general anaesthesia. The effect of xenon on hydrated dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine bilayers is described. The xenon atoms were found to prefer the interfacial and central regions of the bilayer. The presence of xenon was observed to lead to a small increase in the surface area, membrane thickness, and order of the acyl chains.

MeSH terms

  • Anesthetics, Inhalation / pharmacology*
  • Cell Membrane / chemistry
  • Cell Membrane / drug effects*
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Computer Simulation
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry
  • Lipid Bilayers / metabolism
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Xenon / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Inhalation
  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Xenon