The fluidity gradient in erythrocyte membranes in hereditary spherocytosis: a spin label study.

The fluidity gradient and sulphydryl groups in erythrocyte ghost membranes from healthy subjects and from seven patients with hereditary spherocytosis (HS) were studied by spin label techniques. The mobility of the stearic acid spin labels was lower in the spherocyte membranes, indicating greater stability of the phospholipid layer in these membranes than in those of matched controls. This stabilization was most distinct in the intermediate and deep membrane layers. No clear differences were observed in the protein sulphydryl groups. It is suggested that the decreased cellular deformability characterizing spherocytes reflects altered lipid organization or lipid-protein interaction in the interior of the cell membrane.