Structure of raft-model membrane by using the inverse contrast variation neutron scattering method
Abstract
By means of the inverse contrast variation method in small-angle neutron scattering, we have studied the structure of a small unilamellar vesicle (SUV) composed of ganglioside, cholesterol and dipalmitoyl-phosphocholine. The SUV treated has a similar lipid composition as in a plasma membrane with microdomains, so-called rafts. The present results indicate an asymmetric distribution of lipid components within the bilayer of the vesicle, that is, a predominant distribution of ganglioside and cholesterol at the outer leaflet of the vesicle bilayer. The deviation from the linearity in a pseudo-Stuhrmannplot strongly suggests the presence of a large heterogeneity of lipid composition in a bilayer, namely a clustering of ganglioside and cholesterol molecules. This deviation is enhanced by temperature elevation, meaning that ganglioside-cholesterol clusters become larger with holding liquid-ordered ( Lo) phase.
- Publication:
-
Physica B Condensed Matter
- Pub Date:
- November 2006
- DOI:
- 10.1016/j.physb.2006.05.129
- Bibcode:
- 2006PhyB..385..868H
- Keywords:
-
- 87.16.Dg;
- Membranes bilayers and vesicles