Estimation of transmembrane pH gradients from phase equilibria of spin-labeled amines

Biochemistry. 1978 Sep 5;17(18):3871-7. doi: 10.1021/bi00611a030.

Abstract

Spin-labeled secondary amines have been used to measure transmembrane proton gradients in sonicated liposomes. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of these probes show changes in the ratio of membrane associated to free aqueous probe as a function of transmembrane pH gradient. As the pH gradient is increased, inside acidic, the amount of membrane associated probe increases. The results are accounted for by a simple thermodynamic theory.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amines*
  • Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Kinetics
  • Liposomes*
  • Mathematics
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Spin Labels*
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Amines
  • Liposomes
  • Spin Labels