Role of Water in Proton-Hydroxide Conductance Across Membranes
Abstract
The goal of this research is 1) to understand the nature of hydrated defects in lipid bilayers that permit proton flux to occur, and 2) to determine whether hydrated channels in biological membranes have special properties related to proton conduction along hydrogen bonded water. In the progress report, we test a mechanism of general anesthesia which proposes that anesthetics introduce defects into synaptic vesicle membranes. These in turn cause loss of neurotransmitter and inhibited synaptic transmission. We found that minor leaks are produced by anesthetics, but that they do not account directly for the anesthetic state. We propose a modification which involves catecholamine interaction with autoreceptors. In the work plan, we describe further tests of the mechanism which will be undertaken. We will also initiate studies of isotope effects on proton transport in bilayers and ion conducting channels.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 28, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA196042
Entities
People
- David W. Deamer
Organizations
- University of California, Davis